Key highlights:

1. Largest celebration of gender equality in Europe returns to Manchester for its tenth year
2. We Are PoWEr’s social value impact revealed at £12.3 million
3. 16 winners and 4 commended recognised for their impact across the North
4. Game Changer lists announced; PoWEr List, Future List and Advocacy List recognising trailblazers, future leaders and advocates driving change
5.  Special recognition award presented to Figen Murray OBE, the driving force behind Martyn’s Law following the Manchester Arena attack
6.  Plus, a special 10 year anniversary performance by Natasha Hamilton

On Thursday, the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards marked a milestone tenth anniversary, bringing together leaders, changemakers and organisations from across the North to celebrate those driving meaningful progress in gender equality, inclusion and social mobility.

Proudly co-headlined by Bank of America and Barclays, the awards are the largest celebration of gender equality in Europe.

Over the past decade, We Are PoWEr has grown into a community of more than 120,000, delivered over 500 events and built an award-winning digital platform connecting thousands of professionals, emerging talent and students across the regions.

On the night, founder Simone Roche MBE revealed that the We Are PoWEr community has generated £12.3 million in measurable social value over the past decade.

Calculated and ratified using a Social Value framework, the figure reflects the real economic impact created through mentoring, leadership development, advocacy programmes and thousands of hours of volunteer contribution. It also captures the long-term value of career progression, inclusive leadership development and the retention of talent across the North, through the community’s programmes and partnerships.

This momentum is reflected in a record-breaking 1,800 nominations this year, recognising individuals and organisations driving change.

A further 99 changemakers were recognised through the annual Game Changer Lists - the PoWEr List, Future List and Advocacy List - celebrating those shaping the future of leadership, advocacy and inclusion.

Simone Roche MBE reflected on the significance of this milestone year:

“This year’s winners represent the very best of what happens when talent, resilience and opportunity come together. In our tenth year, this feels especially PoWErful.

What started as a belief that the North was full of exceptional people whose impact deserved visibility has grown into a community of people committed to driving change.

These winners are not only excelling in their fields, they are actively creating opportunities for others. That ripple effect matters. It is what We Are PoWEr stands for and why this work continues to resonate a decade on.”

As the Northern PoWEr Women Awards celebrates its tenth year, the £12.3 million social value highlights the scale of impact created when organisations, leaders and communities work together with shared purpose.

With a growing network, expanding programmes and a continued focus on equality, advocacy and opportunity, We Are PoWEr now looks ahead to its next decade - building on the momentum of the past ten years to create even greater impact across the North.

For more information visit: wearepower.net

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Spokesperson quotes:

“At Bank of America, we are proud to co‑headline this landmark 10th anniversary celebration, recognising those who are providing opportunity and driving inclusive progress across the North. These trailblazers embody the spirit of responsible growth; championing others, elevating talent and creating momentum for lasting change.” - Iwona Szmidt, Managing Director, Site Lead for Chester at Bank of America

“Barclays is proud to continue our partnership with We Are PoWEr and its Northern PoWEr Women Awards following the announcement of this year’s finalists. As the awards celebrate a decade of inspiring role models across the North, we’re delighted to mark our second year as Co-Headline Partner, championing inclusion, belonging, and equal opportunity for all so that more people can reach their full potential.” - Helen Truesdale, Managing Director from Barclays