Mass celebrations took place as women from The Women’s Organisation’s Venture Accelerator business growth programme snapped up awards at the Inaugural Women in Business Awards with Downtown Manchester yesterday.

Dr Nichola McChrystal
celebrates with nan and mum

Dr Nichola McChrystal of Bioclinics who had received support from the programme snatched the award for ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’, and celebrated with her mum and grandmother who she says are her greatest female role models. Claire Harper of Harper Innovations was the well deserved winner of ‘Business of the Year’ having turned over her first million following support from the Venture Accelerator programme. 



Claire Harper wins
‘Business of the Year‘

Venture Accelerator Programme Manager Mike Marsden said “We were pleased to sponsor the event and to be able to invite some of our women currently working under our business growth programme along to network and to be inspired by the achievements of the women there. I was over the moon to see our clients Nichola and Claire receiving very much deserved recognition for their hard work and business success. This event just served to highlight what we as an organisation are very well aware of. There are amazing women in Greater Manchester running some fabulous businesses. We just want to let them know that if they have the ambition to grow, fully funded support is available.”

The full list of winners are:
  • Best New Start Up: Zoe Holland, Zebra Consulting
  • Employee of the Year: Jen Smith, JMW
  • Legal Advisor of the Year: Christine Oxenburgh, Freeths
  • Financial Advisor of the Year: Sarah Bell – Duff & Phelps
  • Hospitality& Service Sector Award: Lou Kemp, GG Hospitality
  • Business Support Award: Laura Harper, Shoosmiths
  • Best Marketer Award: Sarah Rowley, Baker Tilly
  • Best Property Professional Award: Rowena Burns, Manchester Science Park
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Dr Nichola McChrystal, Bioclinics
  • Female Leader: Angie Robinson, Manchester Central
  • Business of the Year: Harper Innovations
  • Entrepreneur of the Year: Carole Kane, BooHoo.com
  • Social Enterprise of the Year: POPS
  • A Decade of Excellence in Business: Jennie Johnson, Kids Allowed

Michael Taylor, Chairman of Downtown Manchester In Business said: “These awards, and all the very worthy winners, are helping to break down stereotypes and promote positive female role models within business and enterprise across Manchester and the north west.”

If you are a woman running a business in Greater Manchester that is ready to expand through taking on staff, accessing new markets or with innovative ideas of ways to increase turnover get in touch with MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out how you can receive FREE tailored support.