September 15, 2026
Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) is proud to be the Headline Partner of the newly launched North East Women of Excellence Awards, an independent awards programme dedicated to recognising and celebrating exceptional women from across the region.
The new awards will shine a spotlight on women making an outstanding contribution through business, leadership, innovation, public service and community impact. The programme has been created to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the North East while inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
Amanda Hardie, Head of Newcastle High School for Girls, said:
“At Newcastle High School for Girls, we believe passionately in empowering girls to become the leaders, trailblazers and world-shapers of the future. Supporting the North East Women of Excellence Awards reflects that commitment.
“These awards celebrate the outstanding women who are driving innovation, creating opportunities and making a lasting impact across our region. By shining a spotlight on their achievements, we not only recognise excellence but also provide powerful role models for the next generation.
“We are proud to support an initiative that champions ambition, achievement and opportunity for women and girls, and we encourage our community to help recognise the inspirational women making a difference across the North East.”
The awards have been founded by Sophie Milliken MBE, entrepreneur, business leader and passionate advocate for the North East. Created to fill a gap in regional recognition, the North East Women of Excellence Awards are the only independent awards programme dedicated solely to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women from across the region.
Commenting on the launch, Sophie said:
“There are exceptional women doing extraordinary things in every part of the North East, but we are a region that can sometimes be too humble about celebrating success. We wanted to create awards with real credibility, where winning means something. Most importantly, we want to discover women beyond the usual names and networks. If someone brilliant has come to mind, nominate her. If you are doing brilliant work yourself, put yourself forward.”
The awards will recognise excellence across 15 categories spanning entrepreneurship, leadership, mentoring, public service, community impact, equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as wider role model achievements. Alongside these categories sits the prestigious North East Woman of Excellence Award, the highest honour within the programme.
A distinguished Advisory Board is helping to shape and guide the awards, bringing together respected voices from business, media and public life. Members include Roisin Currie CBE, Chief Executive of Greggs; broadcaster Steph McGovern; Michelle Percy, Chief Executive of Develop North; Mads Howard MBE of Sage; and Dr Elouise Leonard-Cross, People Director at Northumbrian Water Group, alongside senior leaders from Atom Bank and the wider legal, financial, scientific and business communities.
In addition to NHSG as Headline Partner, the awards are supported by a number of founding partners, including Sage, partner of Entrepreneur of the Year; The BIC, partner of Start-up Founder of the Year; Atom Bank, partner of Young Entrepreneur of the Year; the North East Mayoral Combined Authority, partner of Social Entrepreneur of the Year; Castle Peak Group, partner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award; and RBC Brewin Dolphin, Winners’ Lounge Partner.
The inaugural awards ceremony will take place at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle, on 28 January 2027, bringing together finalists, partners and leaders from across the region to celebrate achievement, innovation and leadership.
Women can nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues, friends, organisations and community groups. Entries and nominations close on 15th November, with finalists announced on 3rd December following independent judging.
To enter, nominate or find out more, visit www.northeastwomenofexcellenceawards.com