Celebrating Excellence: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Bolton

The fourth annual Women in Business Awards, held on March 28 at the BWFC Premier Suite, showcased the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs and business leaders in Bolton. This sold-out event, founded by the passionate Anita McKay, highlighted the significant contributions women make in enterprise, leadership, and community impact.

A Night of Recognition

This year, the event witnessed a record-breaking 2,000 nominations, reflecting the incredible caliber of talent and innovation within the local business community. Ms. McKay expressed her admiration for the nominees, stating, "To be a finalist and a winner is a huge achievement. I love everything the event represents: amazing businesses, women, and impact."

Honoring Exceptional Leaders

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Councillor David Chadwick and Mrs. Valerie Chadwick, who presented the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award to Sital Arjan Raja MBE in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Bolton’s business landscape. Among the over 30 winners were inspiring figures like Sarah Hulme of Covem and Ruth Wilkinson of Ruth Wilkinson Fitness, showcasing a diverse array of talent and dedication.

Community and Charity Initiatives

The awards night was not only a celebration of success but also a platform for charity support, as a raffle raised over £1,000 for BACKUP North West. The evening featured delightful live music from Tommy Price and offered guests an opportunity to participate in karaoke, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Bolton, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

With promising future events on the horizon, including the Men in Business Awards scheduled for May and the Health and Wellbeing Awards later this year, the spirit of recognition and celebration continues to thrive. Additionally, the newly launched Proper Northern Wedding Awards is set to debut in 2026, further enriching the fabric of community engagement within Bolton.