Inspiring Night Celebrates Extraordinary Women Entrepreneurs in Bolton

The fourth annual Women in Business Awards held on March 28 at the BWFC Premier Suite has successfully recognized the achievements of outstanding female entrepreneurs and business leaders across Bolton. This sold-out event, founded by Anita McKay, brought together 350 guests to honor the remarkable contributions of women in enterprise, leadership, and community impact.

A Night of Recognition and Celebration

Ms. McKay expressed her exhilaration over the incredible turnout and the overwhelming number of nominations. "I am blown away by the event this year; we have over 2,000 nominations for tonight's awards, so to be a finalist and a winner is a huge achievement," she stated, reflecting the spirit of celebration that permeated throughout the night. The ceremony emphasized the importance of recognizing amazing businesses and their impact on the community.

Highlighting Exceptional Achievements

The evening was graced by the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Councillor David Chadwick and Mrs. Valerie Chadwick, who presented the highest honor of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award, to Sital Arjan Raja MBE. Her significant contributions to Bolton’s business community were rightly acknowledged and celebrated.

Among the more than 30 winners were several inspiring figures including Sarah Hulme of Covem, Carrie Flitcroft of Shiny and New Cleaning Services, Ruth Wilkinson of Ruth Wilkinson Fitness, Hasina Reshamwalla of VEDA, and Helen Smith of Althams Travel, collectively demonstrating the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of women in the region.

Community Engagement and Future Events

The event also featured authentic performances, with live music from Tommy Price and fun-filled karaoke sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Bolton, adding to the festive atmosphere. Furthermore, a charity raffle raised over £1,000 for BACKUP North West, showcasing the community's willingness to give back.

Looking ahead, the Women in Business Awards will be followed by the Men in Business Awards in May and the Health and Wellbeing Awards later this year. Additionally, a new event, the Proper Northern Wedding Awards, is set to launch in 2026, indicating a bright future for local business recognition initiatives.

This celebration of female achievement not only highlights the significant impact women have made in the business community but also encourages the next generation of leaders to strive for their goals.