Outstanding Entrepreneur  

On 6th March 2025, the Northern PoWEr Women Awards will once again shine a spotlight on the trailblazers, changemakers, and pioneers driving progress across the North. As one of the most prestigious celebrations of gender equality and innovation, the awards recognise those making a lasting impact in their industries and communities. This year, we recognise the exceptional individuals nominated for the Outstanding Entrepreneur category. This award celebrates entrepreneurs who are driven by passion and purpose, building and scaling their businesses while creating a lasting, positive impact in their sector and beyond. These nominees have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and leadership, not only achieving remarkable success but also shaping their industries and communities for the better. Hayley Roberts took home the win in 2024 for her work in providing solutions across cybersecurity technologies and services across the EMEA region. Here’s a roundup of this year’s nominees for Outstanding Entrepreneur. 

Here’s a rundown of the 2025 Finalists: 

Kerrie Capelli 

Kerrie Capelli’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Leaving school at 15 with no GCSEs and battling undiagnosed dyslexia, she built her hairdressing career from the ground up while raising her daughter as a single mother. This past year, a major American investor (who had been quietly following her growth) offered to back her expansion, a game-changing moment that propelled her brand onto the global stage. Now touring cities like Dallas, Miami, and New York, Kerrie is not just growing a business but transforming lives, helping women regain confidence and empowering stylists through education. From a small salon to international success, she proves passion and perseverance can defy all odds. 

Victoria Tomlinson

Victoria Tomlinson launched Next-Up at 63, redefining age diversity in the workplace and proving that innovation has no age limit. Her business supports older professionals in finding new opportunities, mentoring entrepreneurs, and challenging workplace ageism. Through thought leadership, media appearances, and a TEDx talk with over 20,000 views, she has amplified the conversation around age and employment. She has recruited over 64 individuals aged 50+, helped entrepreneurs expand globally, and influenced policymakers and corporations. Recognised as one of Yorkshire’s Most Exciting Companies 2024, Victoria’s mission is transforming perceptions of work and retirement. 

Claire O’Connor 

Claire O’Connor turned her personal experience of struggling with self-esteem in ballet into a global movement for inclusivity and confidence-building. With no prior business experience but immense determination, she founded babyballet, now one of the world’s leading preschool dance brands with over 100 franchises and 25,000 children participating weekly. Claire has empowered over 1,000 people, mostly women, to build their own businesses, championing female entrepreneurship. As Founder, Franchisor, and CEO, she leads with warmth and passion, inspiring others through her international speaking engagements. Her vision and impact make her a truly outstanding entrepreneur. 

Elissa Corrigan  

Elissa Corrigan is a visionary entrepreneur transforming the wellness industry with her passion for women’s health and sustainability. Founding The Life Lab in 2017, she created a space for women seeking control over their well-being, which led to the launch of Elle Sera, a science-backed, eco-conscious supplement brand supporting hormonal balance. Elissa’s dedication to sustainability shines through with refillable, recyclable packaging and ethical production. She champions strength, mindfulness, and community, offering a lifeline to women navigating menopause and health challenges. Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, Elissa’s relentless drive makes her a force for positive change. 

Christina Taylor 

Christina Taylor is transforming the commercial landscape for female footballers, helping them build financial security beyond the pitch. Passionate about closing the pay gap, she has elevated players’ social media presence, secured major brand deals, and positioned them in unexpected spaces. Her success stories include growing Mary Earps’ following from 50,000 to 2.5 million, landing features in Vogue and GQ, and leading the viral Women’s World Cup goalkeeper shirt campaign. With a rapidly growing business, a seven-figure turnover, and global recognition, including an invitation to dine with Hillary Clinton, Christina is driving real change for women in sport. 

Ayaan Mohamed-Ali