A prestigious event at Londonβs House of Commons this week marked the official launch of a national awards campaign to celebrate some the countryβs most inspirational achievers in business.
The eighth Ladies First Professional Development Business Awards also mark the tenth anniversary of the networking group and will highlight success stories as well as raise funds for brain tumour research, at its glittering awards ceremony next year.
Last yearβs Business Woman of the Year Elinor Perry was the main speaker and sponsor for the event at The House of Commons. Fifty guests also heard from host Balsall Common MP Saqib Bhatti MBE, Retired MP Colleen Fletcher MBE, and fundraiser Karen Jones.
The Awards are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney, from Balsall Common, whose work with the group has also been recognised nationally.
Of the London launch she said:
What a fabulous day! To be able to hold such a celebratory occasion at the House of Commons was truly amazing. It is such an iconic and historic building and being there made us all feel incredibly honoured and special.
βThe day was a wonderful opportunity to recognise incredible people and highlight just how important it is to enter awards. What makes the Ladies First Awards so special is that they are genuinely inclusive. We recognise inspirational women and men in business, charity workers, family businesses, young achievers and people from every age and background. Everyone has a story and everyone deserves the opportunity to have their achievements acknowledged.
She added:
A huge thank you to our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Elinor Perry, for sponsoring the House of Commons lunch, and to our MP sponsor, Saqib Bhatti MBE, for hosting us. We simply could not make these awards happen without the generosity of our sponsors, and we are now inviting businesses to get involved with our 2027 awards.
βBy sponsoring the Ladies First Awards, you are helping us shine a light on incredible people and their stories, raising vital money for charity, while also showcasing and raising the profile of your own business. It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something truly special.
As well as being a long term Ladies First member, Karen Jones is the Lead Fundraiser for the QE Brain Tumour Fund, a dedicated charity fund under the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity that supports brain tumour patients, funds vital research, and provides cutting-edge equipment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).
She said:
The QE Brain Tumour Fund is a cause very close to my heart. We work closely with the clinical team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to make sure our fundraising is focused on where it is really needed.
βBrain tumours are the biggest killer of children and adults under 40. All funds raised go to support brain tumour research, pioneering equipment, our Home from Home and special wishes for those brain tumour patients who are experiencing challenging times.
The launch event was sponsored by Elinor Perry, partner at Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, in Leamington. She said:
At Pentlands, part of the Nuvo Group, we are proud to support organisations that create opportunities, build confidence and celebrate success. Ladies First has become a powerful platform for recognising inspirational leaders and entrepreneurs, and we are delighted to sponsor the launch of the 2027 Awards at such a prestigious venue.
The awards, including some new categories, will be open for nominations from January. The Awards dinner will once again be held at the IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club on September 16th.Β
To enquire about sponsorship opportunities contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk
