Nominations Now Open for the 10th Northern PoWEr Women Awards — A Decade of Driving Change Across the North

The Northern PoWEr Women Awards proudly open nominations for their milestone 10th year, inviting individuals and organisations across the North to celebrate the trailblazers, changemakers, organisations and advocates driving positive change.

Since the umbrella brand, We Are PoWEr, was founded, the movement has become a significant force for gender equality, social mobility, and inclusive leadership across the North of England. The 2026 Awards mark a decade of incredible progress: over £2.5 million in social value created, more than 10,600 nominations submitted, 714 finalists recognised, and a community of 120,000+ built around action, positive change, and advocacy.

Nominations open on 18^th June 2025 and are free to submit. This is your opportunity to shine a light on those making a difference across the region and from various industries and communities. Visit wearepower.net/awards to nominate and join a movement that turns recognition into action.

“Opening nominations for our 10th Northern PoWEr Women Awards is a huge milestone - not just for us, but for everyone who has been part of this community. For a decade, we’ve celebrated those driving real change across the North, and this year is about honouring the legacy we’ve built while powering forward into the next chapter. I can’t wait to see the inspiring nominations that are submitted – they’re a reminder of everything that defines this movement.”

 — Simone Roche MBE, Founder and CEO, We Are PoWEr and Northern PoWEr Women Awards

Barclays and Bank of America Return as Co-Headline Partners

The Northern PoWEr Women Awards are proud to welcome back Barclays and Bank of America as co-headline partners for the 2026 Awards. Their renewed commitment underscores the ongoing commitment to shaping a more equitable world.

Barclays has been a longstanding partner of We Are PoWEr, the umbrella brand behind the

Northern PoWEr Women Awards, since 2021, and Bank of America joined the mission in

2023. Both organisations have played vital roles across the PoWEr Collective CIC’s PoWEr Up Networking events, where they have not only mentored young talent but also given the opportunity to their own internal talent to be mentored – accelerating impact internally and beyond.

Iwona Szmidt, Managing Director, Site Lead for Chester at Bank of America, said “We are excited to once again be Co-Headline Partner of the Norther PoWEr Women Awards. This partnership reflects our dedication to nurturing a professional environment where inclusion and offering equal opportunities are a non-negotiable part of our business. These awards not only recognise thought-leadership and celebrate pioneering work and ideas, but also, importantly they fuel an exceptional talent pipeline and help build a positive, forwardlooking world of work.”

Amy Williams, Managing Director, Head of Core Infrastructure Platform and Site Lead for Radbroke at Barclays, said “Barclays are proud to be co-headline partners of the Northern PoWEr Women Awards as they celebrate a remarkable 10-year milestone of the awards. This partnership is a powerful opportunity to shine a light on the individuals and organisations across the North who are driving real progress in Inclusion, Opportunity and Excellence. These awards don't just recognise achievement but empower the next generation of changemakers.”

Hear From the Community

As the Northern PoWEr Women Awards celebrates its 10th anniversary, voices from across the movement reflect on its transformative impact — from small business recognition to personal and professional breakthroughs.

"It was one of the highlights of our 15 years of trading to date and I can honestly say that it has transformed the business... I love playing a small part.” — Fiona Hull, Construction HQ

"I cannot believe it’s 10 years... seeing something that comes from Liverpool grow into this national treasure has been nothing short of amazing.” — Ngunan Adamu, iWoman Academy CiC

“NPW is simply amazing! This community of trailblazers and gamechangers uplifting each other is unmatched.” — Maggie Chen, Girls in Charge

"It’s more than just an awards platform; it’s a thriving, values-driven community that inspires action and challenges the status quo.” — Paul Kalle Grover MBE, Ki Partnerships Ltd

"I remember early on being blown away with the realisation that I, that everyone, could be seen as a role model.” — Gemma Truman, Gemma Truman Glass

As we look to the 2026 Awards and beyond, this isn’t just a milestone. It’s a movement. Join us as we celebrate 10 years of powering up the North and help shape the next decade of change.