Micro-organisations 

On 6th March 2025, the Northern PoWEr Women Awards will once again celebrate the individuals and organisations driving meaningful change across the North. As one of the most prestigious events championing gender equality, innovation, and social impact, the awards highlight those making a real difference in their industries and communities. This year, we recognise the outstanding organisations nominated for the Micro-Organisation Award, partnering with Castle Peak Group to bring you this category. This award honours organisations that embed inclusivity at the heart of their growth strategy, creating environments where diversity thrives, and every individual feels a true sense of belonging and empowerment. These organisations prove that impact is not measured by size but by the strength of their commitment to fostering positive change. Last year Split Perspectivz CIC took home the award for their work in connecting and unifying communities through storytelling. 

Here’s a rundown of the 2025 Finalists: 

Pro-business Consulting Limited 

Pro-Business Consulting Limited (PBC) has rapidly become a leader in regulatory and quality consultancy for the MedTech and Pharma sectors since its founding in 2018. Under the leadership of Preeti Choudhary, PBC has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and inclusivity, winning multiple awards along the way. The company is dedicated to helping manufacturers navigate complex regulations and bring life-saving medical products to market while prioritising a healthier world. Despite being a micro-organisation, PBC champions diversity, flexible working, and employee well-being, ensuring a supportive environment for working parents and a multicultural, inclusive workplace. With a strong focus on professional development and a people-first approach, PBC continues to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry. 

Nuvo Wellbeing CIC 

Nuvo Wellbeing CIC is a pioneering micro-organisation dedicated to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and community empowerment through innovative dance and wellbeing programmes. Founded by Bethany Ainsley in 2008, Nuvo Wellbeing has positively impacted over 50,000 individuals across the North East, ensuring accessibility regardless of age, ability, or background. Their commitment to inclusivity is reflected in their tailored programmes, community consultations, and partnerships with universities and stakeholders to drive meaningful social change. By prioritising local talent, removing financial barriers, and addressing specific health challenges, Nuvo Wellbeing creates lasting impact in areas of deprivation and beyond. Their holistic approach to health, social prescribing, and employability training exemplifies their dedication to enhancing lives and creating a lasting positive impact within communities. 

The Purpose Agency 

The Purpose Agency is dedicated to supporting female athletes by providing PR and brand-building consultancy free of charge, working on a commission basis for any brand deals secured. With women making up 44% of sports participants but receiving only 4% of media coverage and less than 1% of sponsorships, the agency aims to close this gap and drive equity in sports. Women’s sports have the power to create lasting societal change, with 80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs having played sports in their youth, highlighting the impact of representation. As a talent management company, The Purpose Agency helps female athletes and creators build their commercial value and visibility, connecting them with brands that align with their values. Specialising in digital strategy, they assist in monetising social media, launching business ventures, and securing media opportunities. Their work goes beyond individual success, advocating for greater financial stability and career longevity for women in sports. By bridging pay disparities and growing personal brands, they contribute to a fairer industry.  

Leeds Dads 

Leeds Dads is a vibrant support group dedicated to helping fathers in Leeds connect, share experiences, and engage with their young children. What began as a small meetup at Leeds City Museum has grown into a thriving community of hundreds of dads over the past 11 years. Meeting regularly at Little Angels in Holbeck, the group provides free tea, toast, and soft play, creating a welcoming space for dads and their kids. Focused on both physical and mental wellbeing, Leeds Dads fosters peer support without judgment, allowing fathers to develop their own best practices for parenting. Their work is rooted in the First 1000 Days concept, a crucial period in child development, ensuring kids get the best possible start in life. By combatting isolation and encouraging active fatherhood, they are strengthening family bonds and improving outcomes for children. The group empowers dads to be confident, involved parents, creating a supportive and inclusive community. Through their work, Leeds Dads is making a lasting impact, demonstrating the power of peer support in parenting. 

Power Of Women 

Power Of Women (POW) is a dynamic organisation dedicated to promoting gender equity and empowering young people across the Tees Valley. With a strong focus on raising aspirations and broadening career perspectives, POW engages boys and girls, particularly those aged 9-11 including those in SEN schools, in discussions about gender bias. Through partnerships with primary and secondary schools, the organisation provides access to inspiring role models from local businesses, helping students envision a future free from limitations. Since its formal establishment in 2021, POW has expanded from working with five schools to 24, with plans to reach 30 by the next academic year. The organisation's impact is driven by a dedicated team of female leaders who mentor students, organise workplace visits, and champion opportunities for young people to thrive. Over the past year, POW has engaged more than 150 female role models in its programmes, reinforcing its commitment to building confidence and ambition in the next generation. Through networking and fundraising events, POW not only sustains its programmes but also fosters a strong support network for women in leadership. 

The Verve Foundation 

The Verve Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the financial services industry by increasing diversity, accessibility, and financial education. With a strong focus on attracting women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, the foundation challenges industry stereotypes and creates opportunities for new talent. Through its initiatives, Verve provides training, resources, and support to help newcomers build careers while also empowering existing professionals to achieve true independence. The foundation takes a hands-on approach, offering everything from training programmes to physical office space, ensuring long-term success. Its We Are Change programme has already brought 66 new individuals into finance, supporting them in passing 112 exams, while its Adviser Incubator has helped 71 firms lay strong foundations for their businesses. With 10 graduates now working in the sector and backing from 35 firms and individuals, Verve is making a tangible impact. By driving growth, innovation, and inclusivity, The Verve Foundation is shaping a more diverse and accessible future for financial services. 

Defproc Engineering 

DefProc Engineering is a trusted technical partner committed to driving positive change by transforming ideas into reality. Specialising in early-stage manufacturing, it offers expertise in research and development, design for manufacturing, and small-run production for testing. Operating across industries such as energy and healthcare, DefProc prioritises tech for good projects that benefit both people and the environment. Ethics are at the core of its engineering practices, ensuring transparency, safety, and sustainability. The company fosters a diverse and inclusive team, valuing enthusiasm and potential over traditional hiring metrics. Flexible working policies accommodate personal needs, challenging outdated perceptions of engineering as rigid and inflexible. DefProc actively nurtures talent through initiatives like the Kickstart Scheme and graduate opportunities, supporting career development at all levels. Recognised as an award-winning innovator, DefProc’s projects, including H2Go and SmUPS, contribute to sustainability and healthcare advancements. Its inclusive culture and commitment to diversity fuel creativity, problem-solving, and groundbreaking innovations in the tech for good sector. 

DanceSyndrome 

DanceSyndrome is a pioneering, socially entrepreneurial charity that challenges expectations and promotes social equity through dance. Founded in 2009 and achieving charity status in 2013, DanceSyndrome is led by individuals with learning disabilities who work as equals alongside non-disabled dance artists in a unique co-production model. The organisation has experienced exponential growth, offering inclusive dance leadership, participation, performance, and training programs that empower individuals, address health inequalities, and foster social inclusion. Recognised nationally and internationally for its innovative approach, DanceSyndrome has received multiple awards, including the Music and Culture for Wellbeing Award at the Northern Music Awards 2024 and the GOLD award for Organisation (Non-Profit) of the Year at the Stevie Awards International Business Awards. Its impactful work reaches over 9,000 people annually, with performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and collaborations with national organisations such as the NHS. Committed to sustainability, DanceSyndrome actively supports environmental responsibility through initiatives like the Culture Declares Emergency pledge and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recent projects, such as “The Sunken Forest,” address climate change through dance. 

Weird Jungle 

Weird Jungle is a pioneering, women-led mastering collective dedicated to helping artists achieve the highest quality sound for their music. As the final step in the music production process, mastering ensures tracks sound their best across all playback devices. Despite the industry being heavily male-dominated, Weird Jungle stands out as the only women-led mastering organisation in the UK, with two women engineers and a woman manager at the helm. Beyond their technical excellence, Weird Jungle is built on strong values. They are committed to supporting unsigned artists, donating 1% of their income to Freedom4Girls to combat period poverty, refusing to endorse Spotify due to its treatment of artists and weapons investments, and actively working against gatekeeping in the industry. Their team frequently hosts workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions to educate and uplift aspiring engineers and artists. Their ethos, “Do Good, Be Nice,” is at the heart of their approach, creating a compassionate, artist-first environment. With deep industry experience and an unwavering dedication to sonic excellence, Weird Jungle is redefining mastering with boldness, inclusivity, and care.