Inspirational achievers from Birmingham were among those celebrated at the sixth Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards.

Four hundred people assembled at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam for the glittering ceremony and hosted by Kirsty Leahy, Karen Jones and ‘Roberto.’

The evening’s entertainment also included performances by Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School and singer Ruth Kelly, from Coventry.

Local winners included BBC radio presenter Trish Adudu who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Media, as well as four of the five winners in a brand new Young Futures First category, honouring inspirational young people between the ages of 16 and 30. These are Aaron O’Brien, Wolverhampton and Courtnee Gallagher, Leah Atkins and Fatima Mohammed, Birmingham Metropolitan College.

Trish Adudu, from Coventry, has enjoyed a career in TV and radio spanning more than 30 years, including as an original member of ITV’s Loose Women panel between 1999-2002. She is currently well known for presenting the Weekday Afternoon programme on BBC local radio. She said:

“I am overjoyed and overwhelmed to receive this honour. I have watched Ladies First and their incredible rise in the community consciousness and been in awe of the stories that have been represented. With all those fantastic stories I’m proud to know that Tracey and her team have picked my story as one to honour."

“I just wish Mum and Dad could have seen this but it was great that my supportive and wonderful partner Ezzie and my sons Tyler and Kennedy could be there to witness this incredible achievement.”

Other winners from the Birmingham area included: Paola Spiga, Glam & Glow Beauty Lab, in Hockley Heath (Start-up of the Year); Becci Fox, of Solihull Moors (Excellence In Health & Welbeing); Jas Thiara of Alsters Kelley Solicitors, in Balsall Common (Excellence In Professional Services); and Rob Butler, of Tri Wellness Limited, in Solihull (Inspirational Businessman of the Year).

Anne Cawley and the team at Jamieson Christie Wealth Management, which has its headquarters in Balsall Common, were also presented with the Achieves For Community (Business) Award for their charity work, while John Street received the Community Champion Award, recognising his work with @freeatlast.

The charity aims to improve the lives of thousands of people in Birmingham’s inner city area of Nechells with the ultimate aim of eradicating child poverty – through youth clubs as well as family support and adult learning advice. John said:

“The team are exceptionally honoured to have been recognised by the Ladies First Network, for the work that we do with our children and young people. Thank you so much for supporting and valuing our work, encouraging us to press on towards the eradication of child poverty in our community.”

Anne Cawley said of her award: “Since formation over 20 years ago, we have strived to maintain key principles of treating others as you would wish to be treated, and to support and encourage all those around you. This includes valuing our wonderful staff and clients and the superb charities and organisations who work tirelessly for others. It was fabulous that some of our staff were able to join me to receive the award.”

Paola Spiga, who won Start-up of the Year for Glam & Glow Beauty Lab, in Hockley Heath, said: “This award reaffirms my commitment to enhancing beauty, promoting wellness, and empowering individuals. It belongs to every client and supporter who has shared in my vision of embracing each person’s unique beauty and wellness goals with passion and excellence. Together, we celebrate the transformative power of self-care and individual empowerment.”

Jas Thiara, from Balsall Common, who won Excellence In Professional Services Award for her role as a Higher Courts Advocate at Alsters Kelley Solicitors, said: “I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I have won an award – totally overwhelming on the night. A huge honour and I’m very grateful to the Directors at Alsters Kelley for nominating me in the first place and big thanks to everyone in the Crime department who support me every day.”

Rob Butler was named Inspirational Man of the Year for his success at Tri Wellness Limited in Solihull, taking his own childhood experiences and subsequent mental health challenges to bring strength and positivity into his fitness and wellbeing studio.

He said: “This recognition truly means the world to me. I really hope me winning this award can inspire other young men and women to aspire to their goals, live for their purpose and be the people they deserve to be.”

With Solihull Moors, Becci Fox uses the power of sport to transform young people’s lives by equipping them with better skills and increased confidence.

On winning the Excellence In Health & Wellbeing Award, she said: “This award is not just a testament to my individual efforts but is a celebration of the collective spirit of all staff and volunteers and Solihull Moors Foundation. This award shines a light on the importance of nurturing well-being in our communities and for us to continue, touching lives through the power of sport.”

This year also saw the introduction of new categories including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses.

The Awards, which were unveiled at The House of Commons in January, are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington.

Tracey and Karen said: “It was a phenomenal evening celebrating the achievements of women, men, and future young influencers in business. We couldn't be more proud of this inspiring event. Huge congratulations to all of our 2024 winners. We also want to express our gratitude to all our sponsors, without whom this event wouldn't have been possible. Thank you to the IXL Centre for creating a wonderful experience for our guests. We can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring.”

The evening, which included an auction and raffle and £5k ring prize drawer courtesy of Shipton & Co in Stratford, also raised £8,000 for The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund. The charity was stablished in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients.