Griselda Togobo, you have created something so special with Novi. A community that inspires, supports, encourages and learns from each other. I was nominated by the most fabulous Dr Leigh Hoath in 2019 AND I won. It gave me the confidence to make some bold moves in my career, and I have not looked back. Thank you! Nominate, nominate! Good luck.

Julianne Antrobus

CEO, United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory

Relive the Novi Awards 2025

Now in its 16th year, the Novi Leadership Summit and Awards honours the impact of female leadership, innovation and entrepreneurism in business.

We continue to use our platform to showcase the achievements of women breaking barriers across the public and private sectors, giving them the recognition and visibility, they need to inspire the next generation of leaders. These women are changing lives and transforming the UK’s businesses, communities, and industries.

They are the audacious ones, the innovative transformational female leaders – the game changers – the unstoppable ones. Check out the alumni and last years magazine.

NOMINATE A WOMAN WHO INSPIRES YOU
apply

Key Dates

  • Nominations Are Open
  • Entries - TBC
  • Finalists Announcement  - TBC
  • Ally & Advocates List Launch - TBC
  • Awards Ceremony & Leadership Summit - 19th November

AGENDA

Time Duration Session
09:00
30mins
Shortlist arrival, registration & networking. Shortlist certificate collection
9:30
45mins
Guests arrival. registration & networking and more photograph
10:15
5mins
Call into the venue
10:20
10mins
Host’s welcome
10:30
30mins
Panel 1
11:00
30mins
Panel 2
11:30
10mins
Break & energy lift networking
11:40
30mins
Panel 3
12:10
30mins
Keynote
12:40
80mins
Main Meal
14:00
50mins
Winners Revealed
14:50
30mins
Dessert and Coffee
15:20
5mins
Break and energy lift networking
15:25
20mins
Keynote – BWOY 2026
15:45
10mins
2027 Businesswoman of the year announced
15:55
10mins
Closing remarks
16:05
25mins
Photos & videos with winners
16:30
Networking & Drinks

tickets

To be confirmed

Speakers (More to Be announced)

Arti Halai

Board Advisor, Ambassador

Auris Tech Ltd, Every Child Needs a Mentor and Elite Business Live.

With over three decades of experience in TV presenting, media, and business, Arti Halai is a specialist in confident communication, empowering professionals globally. A former television presenter, reporter, and producer for the BBC and ITV, she covered major global events, including the death of Princess Diana and the 9/11 tragedy, and fronted ITV’s Central News across the Midlands for eight years. 

Arti transitioned to the business world, co-founding two successful companies during a recession: Fleet Street Communications and Grin Consultancy. Both achieved seven-figure growth, working with global brands, and after a decade, she exited through management buyouts in 2022. As a keynote speaker and event host, Arti has presented at prestigious venues, including the House of Lords, and addressed audiences of up to 20,000. Her clients range from FTSE 100 companies to startups, entrepreneurs to academics. 

Arti is a published author, podcast host, and board advisor. She champions women and young people, serving as board advisor to Auris Tech Ltd and an ambassador for Every Child Needs a Mentor and Elite Business Live.  

Griselda Togobo

CEO

Novi

Griselda began her career as an electrical engineer, she then veered into business having been influenced by the challenges and successes that her parents experienced as entrepreneurs. She trained and qualified as a chartered accountant with one of the BIG 4 professional services firms but now runs her own businesses, Novi included. Griselda is a mother of two beautiful children. She is extremely passionate about positively impacting the future of women and girls in the workforce. Griselda joined Novi as a member and was hooked.

Awards Categories

Corporate Categories

Novi Data AI of the Year

For women driving innovation and impact through data and AI.

Novi Emerging Leader of the Year

This category is for women working less than 15 years within an organisation large or small. They should demonstrate personal and business progression, demonstrating leadership potential.

Novi Engineering Excellence Award

This award honors women in senior engineering positions across civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, or other engineering disciplines. The winner will have delivered exceptional engineering projects or solutions while serving as a role model for women in this traditionally male-dominated field.

Novi Rising Star of the Year

The Rising Star Award is about celebrating and recognising the achievements of those at the beginning of their career or new in an industry demonstrating exceptional potential without a leadership role yet.

Novi Senior Executive of the Year

For women demonstrating outstanding leadership, influence and impact at senior level

Novi Technology Leader of the Year

This award celebrates women in senior technology roles who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in software development, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or other digital technologies. The winner will have led technological advancement within their organization while advocating for greater diversity in tech.

Novi Transformational Leader of the Year

This award is for women who are working in a leadership role. These women will have had 15+ years of experience in leadership and evidence they have driven the business forward with exceptional results. They will also have evidence of mentoring people along with examples of community engagement.

Joint Categories

Novi Academic Leader of the Year

This award celebrates women working within academia or the education sector.

Novi Changemaker of The Year

This award sis for a woman who challenges convention and creates meaningful change through innovation.

Novi Inspiring Mentor of the Year

This award is for women who have a track record in mentoring and developing future leaders.

Novi International Leadership Excellence

This award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple cultures, markets, or international business environments. The winner will have successfully navigated cultural differences, built diverse teams, and achieved notable business results across geographical boundaries.

Novi Social Impact of the Year

This award is open to any woman who is creating or delivering digital products, programmes, or services for positive social impact.

Novi Women on Boards

This category is dedicated to women in Non-Executive and trustee roles on boards. The Award will provide much-needed visibility to women across industries in both private and public sectors. This award will recognise and celebrate women on boards to inspire the next generation of women aspiring to board roles.

Entrepreneur Categories

Novi Disruptor of the Year

Recognizes an individual who demonstrates creative, innovative, or unique approaches to solving problems or product innovation.

Novi Female Entrepreneur of the Year

This award is for women who own or run a business. They must have been trading for more than 5 years with demonstrable growth.

Novi Start Up of the Year

This award is for women who have started a new business and are within the first 5 years of trading.

Special Categories

Novi Bravery Award

The Bravery Award honors a woman who has demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience in the face of significant challenges or adversity. This award celebrates the strength and determination of individuals who exemplify the qualities of perseverance, resilience, and selflessness, navigating through difficult circumstances with unwavering resolve.

Novi Business Woman of The Year

This award will be presented to the woman who scored most highly across the judging criteria and will be announced at the National Grand Final.

SHORTLIST

To be confirmed

winners

To be confirmed

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