Sutton’s business women are celebrated at new award ceremony

The first Sutton Women Mean Business Awards got off to a successful start on Tuesday 12 November. The awards, which are sponsored by Sutton Council and other local organisations, aims to recognise the many hard working and high achieving women – often unsung heroes — in the borough. Awards were given out for achievements in nine categories, including Contribution to the Community, Employer of the year, and leading women in retail, STEM and front line services.

Helen Bailey, Chief Executive of Sutton Council, who presented the Education, Skills and Training award, said:

“The Sutton Women Mean Business Awards ceremony was a truly inspiring evening. The winners and nominees all demonstrated an incredible level of skill, determination, energy and purpose. Sutton is lucky to have so many talented individuals building businesses and organisations that contribute to the vibrancy and prosperity of our community.”

Caroline Odogwu of She Is You UK (pictured far right) was unanimously chosen to receive the premier prize, Business Woman of the Year. 

Caroline said: “I am speechless – I’m so honoured to win. I want to congratulate everyone who was nominated - I think we all really deserve this award. I’ll continue to do the work I’m really passionate about which is about inclusion and diversity, empowering young women and helping them recognise their potential.”

Winners for the other categories were: 

• Business Entrepreneur: Rhiannon Ray, Presto Performing Arts
• Contribution to the Community: Elena Nicola, Nickel Support
• Corporate Leader: Jaci Barnes, Sutton Housing Partnership
• Employer of the Year: Kate Gibson, Gibsons
• Rising Star: Caroline Odogwu, She Is You UK
• Women in Education, Skills and Training: Pauline Hennessy, Sutton Women's Centre
• Women in Front Line Services: Mellissa Towers, Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust
• Women in Retail: Vanessa Udall, House of Flowers
• Women in STEM: Olivia Rossanese, The Institute of Cancer Research

The awards were established by Successful Sutton, and is sponsored by Sutton Council, ABC Hire, Beddington for Business, Kier Construction, with Willmott Dixon as the headline sponsor.

For more information on the commendations in each award category and  for photos of the evening, visit the Sutton Women Mean Business Website.