The 2025 Northern Power Women Awards

A Celebration of Inspirational Leadership and Progress

The Northern Power Women Awards is more than just a recognition event. It’s a movement that amplifies the voices of women and allies breaking barriers in various sectors. The 2025 edition was no exception. Held at Manchester Central Convention Complex, the awards ceremony brought together business leaders, change-makers, and role models dedicated to making a lasting impact.

For the team from Vital Heating Solutions, attending this event was an opportunity to be part of an inspiring community. As a company committed to sustainability and innovation in the heating industry, the awards reinforced the importance of fostering inclusivity and leadership within the sector.

Unforgettable Highlights from the 2025 Awards

1. Powerful Opening Address at the 2025 Awards

The evening began with a thought-provoking speech from Simone Roche MBE, the founder of Northern Power Women. She highlighted the progress made in gender equality and the challenges that still need to be addressed. Her words set the tone for a night filled with inspiration, emphasising the importance of action over words when it comes to driving real change.

2. Honouring Trailblazers and Change-Makers

With a record-breaking 1,600 nominations across 12 award categories, the competition was fierce. Each winner represented a story of resilience, ambition, and dedication. Some of the most notable winners included:

• Business Leader of the Year: A CEO who transformed her company into an industry leader while advocating for women in STEM.
• Agent of Change: A grassroots activist who successfully campaigned for policies that promote workplace inclusivity.
• Innovator of the Year: A tech entrepreneur whose AI-driven platform is revolutionising healthcare.

These winners serve as role models for professionals across all industries, demonstrating the power of perseverance and vision.

3. Inspirational Panel Discussions at the 2025 Awards

The awards ceremony also included panel discussions featuring industry leaders. Key topics covered included:

• The future of leadership in traditionally male-dominated industries.
• The role of mentorship in accelerating careers for women.
• The impact of diversity on innovation and business success.

For Vital Heating Solutions, these discussions reinforced the importance of fostering talent and supporting underrepresented voices within the engineering and energy sectors.

Key Lessons from the 2025 Northern Power Women Awards

1. Representation Matters in Inspirational Leadership

One of the most powerful takeaways from the evening was the importance of representation. Seeing diverse leaders on stage, sharing their journeys, served as a reminder that true progress comes from inclusivity.

2. Leadership Requires Boldness and Action

Many award winners shared personal stories of overcoming adversity. A common theme was the need to be bold, take risks, and advocate for oneself and others. Whether in business or social change, courage and conviction pave the way for success.

3. Collaboration Fuels Growth and Innovation

A recurring message throughout the night was the power of collaboration. Many winners credited their success to strong networks, supportive mentors, and a culture of collective growth.

Vital Heating Solutions’ Commitment to Progress

Inspired by the event, the ladies from Vital Heating Solutions are more motivated than ever to champion inclusivity within the industry. As a company, we recognise that true innovation thrives in diverse environments. Moving forward, we are committed to:

• Mentoring future talent and supporting initiatives that encourage more women to enter the heating and energy sector.
• Promoting leadership opportunities within our company to foster an inclusive workplace culture.
• Engaging with industry networks like Northern Power Women to collaborate on meaningful change.

A Night to Remember, A Future to Shape

The 2025 Northern Power Women Awards was a night filled with inspirational moments, powerful storytelling, and a shared commitment to a better future. For the team at Vital Heating Solutions, it reinforced the importance of continuous growth, leadership, and advocacy.

We look forward to next year’s event and, more importantly, to implementing the lessons learned into our daily practices. Change happens when individuals and organisations step up—and we are ready to be part of that change.

Congratulations to all the remarkable winners of the 2025 Northern Power Women Awards! Your dedication and achievements are truly inspiring. Here’s a list of the distinguished awardees:

Disruptor for Good

• Eve Canavan
  • Co-Founder & National Coordinator of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week at Perinatal Mental Health Partnership

Agent of Change

• Jo Clarke
  • Senior Manager at Chase De Vere

One to Watch

• Foluso Falade
  • Founder at Brandin’ It

Inclusive Innovation – Tech for Good

• Digital Voice For Communities

Inclusive Innovation – People Focused

• House Of Books & Friends CIC

Person with Purpose – Public Service

• Agam Jung
  • Consultant Neurologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Outstanding Entrepreneur

• Ayaan Mohamed-Ali
  • Founder and CEO at Digitech Oasis

Mentor of the Year

• Rachel Brown
  • Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Northumbria University

Empowerment Champion

• Ann Stonehouse
  • Founder & Chair and Business Owner at Assist Womens Network

Micro Organisation

• Nuvo Wellbeing

SME

• Savera UK Specialist Charity

Large Organisation

• DWF Law

Public Spotlight

• Melanie Brown

Person with Purpose – Charity/CIC

• Juliet Sanders
  • CEO at Feeding Families

Person with Purpose – Private Organisation

• Catherine Millan
  • Company Director at Be What You See

Additionally, special commendations were awarded to:

Person with Purpose – Public Service

• Jen Deeney
  • Deputy Director of Nursing at Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital

Outstanding Entrepreneur

• Christina Taylor
  • Founder at Purpose Agency

Empowerment Champion

• Susan Mulholland
  • Writer and Creative Producer at Freelance

Public Spotlight

• Molly McCann

Person with Purpose – Private Organisation

• Kayleigh Laverick
  • Founder at Mamma Social Co

Your contributions are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. We celebrate your success and look forward to witnessing your continued impact.

Source: Northern Power Women Awards 2025 Winners

Manchester Central: A Premier Venue for World-Class Events

Manchester Central stands as one of the UK’s leading event venues, offering a versatile and high-quality space for exhibitions, conferences, and corporate gatherings. Located in the heart of Manchester, this iconic venue combines historic architecture with modern facilities, making it a prime choice for businesses, organisations, and event planners.

A Landmark Venue with State-of-the-Art Facilities

Housed within a former railway station, Manchester Central retains its stunning Victorian façade while boasting contemporary interiors designed to accommodate a variety of events. The venue features flexible spaces, including a vast exhibition hall, auditoriums, and breakout rooms, catering to everything from large-scale trade shows to intimate business meetings.

Its central location provides easy access via public transport, with excellent rail, tram, and road links connecting it to the rest of the UK. On-site catering, cutting-edge AV technology, and a dedicated team ensure seamless event execution, making it a favourite for industry leaders and global brands.

Why Manchester Central Stands Out

• Unrivalled Location – Situated in Manchester’s vibrant city centre, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and key business districts.
• Versatile Event Spaces – Hosts conferences, exhibitions, product launches, and networking events of all sizes.
• Sustainability Focus – Committed to reducing environmental impact with sustainable initiatives and energy-efficient practices.
• Expert Support – An experienced team providing event planning, logistics, and technical support.

A Hub for Innovation and Networking

Manchester Central has hosted some of the UK’s most prestigious events, from industry conferences to cultural exhibitions. Its reputation for excellence attracts businesses and organisations looking to make a lasting impression.

For businesses like Vital Heating Solutions, venues like Manchester Central provide a perfect setting to showcase expertise, connect with decision-makers, and explore opportunities in large-scale decarbonisation projects. With our focus on sustainable heating solutions, attending or exhibiting at Manchester Central’s key industry events can open doors to valuable partnerships and growth.

As a venue that blends history with innovation, Manchester Central remains a top choice for those seeking a dynamic and well-connected event space in the UK.

Are you inspired by the incredible women leading the way? Get in touch with us at sales@vitalheating.co.uk or call 01282 773338 to learn more about how we are driving progress in the heating industry.