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Now in its 14th 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.

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Lights, Camera, Action!

AGENDA

10:30Registration and Networking 
11:20Call into the venue
11:30Host’s welcome 
11:40Keynote address 
11:55Panel 1 – Unstoppable Together LIVE (a collective of dynamic female leaders to talk candidly about lessons learned)
12:30Lunch
13:00Category winners announced
14:15Dessert and coffee
14:35Panel 2 – Allyship In Action: How leaders are shaping an inclusive world
14:55BWOY 2023, Emma Wright – Partner, Harbottle & Lewis
15:05Winner announced – Business Woman of the Year 2024
15:15Closing remarks – Griselda Togobo, CEO, Novi
15:30Photographs of winners and Networking
 Post awards drinks.

Speakers (More to Be announced)

Arti Halai (Host)

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.

Emma Wright

Partner, Co-founder

Harbottle & Lewis, Playfinder

Emma Wright leads the Technology, Data, and Digital team at Harbottle and Lewis. She excels in bridging law and business, specializing in AI, cyber, digital infrastructure, and Ofcom regulation. Her expertise extends to advising on emerging tech, online safety, cyber security, and legal tech, with notable speaking engagements and advisory roles, including with UNESCO. She is also a co-founder of the Inter-parliamentary Forum on Emerging Technology and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the tech industry, including Transformational Leader Of The Year and Business Woman Of The Year for the Novi Awards 2023 and recognition in Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in Tech list.

Pip Murray

Founder & CEO

Pip & Nut

Pip Murray, 36, is the Founder & CEO of Pip & Nut, an award-winning food brand that launched in January 2015. Over the last nine years, she’s been shaking up the food and drink sector with her range of all-natural, sustainably-minded and, most importantly, delicious nut butters and snacks.. Pip & Nut has amassed over 45,000 stocking points across the UK including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Coop and ASDA. They are a certified carbon neutral business since 2021 and a proud B Corp since 2019, meaning they are focused on positively impacting people and the planet as they grow.

Passionate about how business can be used as a force for good Pip has also joined the B Lab UK Board of Trustees in 2023 and is an active speaker on sustainability and  women in business. Amongst other accolades, Pip was named The Grocer’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 and was listed as one of ‘London’s Most Influential People’ in the Evening Standard’s Progress 1000 2020, and is a Forbes 30 under 30 alumni.

Jacqueline de Rojas CBE

President Emeritus, Co-chair

TechUK, The Institute of Coding

Jacqueline is President Emeritus at techUK and the co-chair at the Institute of Coding. She sits as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Rightmove plc; Costain plc and professional services provider FDM Group PLC.  Jacqueline is an advisor to fast moving tech businesses and a business mentor at Merryck offering board and executive level coaching. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Harriet Kelsall

Founder and Chair

Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design Ltd 

Harriet Kelsall is one of the most respected bespoke designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today.

She founded her multi-award-winning business from her kitchen table in 1998, with the ambition to inspire and celebrate individuality through creativity. She started a wave to bring reachable bespoke jewellery design to the high street for the first time. Since then, the business has become the UK’s leading bespoke jewellers, with a team of over 40 across four studios.

Harriet is a pioneer for ethics and sustainability, with determination and resilience to ensure everyone in the supply chain is treated and paid fairly. She helped launch Fairtrade Gold in 2011 and Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery then became the first in the world to be both Responsible Jewellery Council certified and licensed by the Fairtrade Foundation. This mission has not waned; the business is the 2024 National Retail Jeweller’s Ethical and Sustainable Business of the Year and Harriet is a judge of the Global Good Awards.

Harriet was the first female chair of the UK’s National Association of Jewellers. She is a Non Executive Director for several organisations including the UK’s Intellectual Property Office and the British Allied Trades Federation and she is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and of the City of London.

In 2016 she was HSBC Forward Ladies “Retail Businesswoman of the year”, Everywoman’s “Retail Woman of the Year” in 2011, and one of The Institute of Directors Magazine’s six “women who have most changed the business world”.

Harriet is passionate about inspiring people to pursue creative careers and helping creative businesses flourish. Having mentored many successful creatives, she wove together the threads that led to success in her book. ‘The Creative’s Guide to Starting a Business: How to turn your talent into a career’ won at the 2019 National Business Book of the Year Awards.

She is a regular keynote speaker on subjects including starting and growing a creative business, SME ethics and responsibility and tackling stigmatisms in business around dyslexia and neurodiversity.

Marina Gerner

Adjunct professor, Author

NYC Stern School of business

Marina Gerner is more than just an author—she’s a catalyst for change in women’s health. An award-winning financial journalist and columnist, her work has appeared in prestigious publications such as The EconomistThe Wall Street Journal, and the Financial Times. With a PhD from the London School of Economics and a role as an adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, Marina combines academic rigor with journalistic insight to shed light on complex topics. In her compelling new book, “The Vagina Business: The Innovative Breakthroughs that Could Change Everything in Women’s Health,” Marina takes us on a journey through the future of women’s healthcare. 

Jacqueline Miller – Charlton MBE

BUSINESS EXECUTIVE, AUTHOR, COLUMNIST, MENTOR, PUBLIC SPEAKER AND COACH

Jacqueline Miller Charlton MBE is a trailblazer with over 35 years of experience in business and is renowned for her contributions to international trade and industry. Working as a lone female in the male dominated industry of construction she established a strong global presence for her family business, setting up distributors for their innovative product range in India, China, Europe, the USA, Australia, and beyond. As the first woman in construction machinery sales, Jacqueline broke barriers and gained worldwide recognition for her leadership and expertise, often overcoming what seemed like insurmountable obstacles in her quest to change how construction machinery vehicles were operated on site making them safer, more efficient and generally more productive. Her achievements have earned her several awards, including accolades for “Best Woman in Business” and outstanding international sales performance. In recognition of her services to industry and international trade, Jacqueline was honoured with an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Jacqueline remains a shareholder in the family business, which she helped grow from a small regional welding and fabrication repair shop into a globally recognised brand. Her influence extends beyond  business and she was responsible for bringing the first-ever international film festival to her hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne, earning widespread acclaim for the event. As a dedicated mentor, Jacqueline has supported numerous entrepreneurs, startups, and seasoned professionals, guiding them through complex challenges. She founded ‘Mentor Me’, a business dedicated to getting to the mind of the matter and overcoming difficult and stubborn obstacles. Jacqueline’s mentoring approach is grounded in real-life experience rather than theory, making her advice practical, valuable, and impactful.

finalists

Novi, a leading network of women in business championing gender equality (formerly known as Forward Ladies), has announced the shortlist for its prestigious 14th Annual Novi Awards. This year’s awards recognize 84 exceptional women leaders from diverse companies who are redefining leadership models and shaping the future of business despite the barriers.

With the theme “Women Breaking Barriers,” the Novi Awards shine a spotlight on leaders who have overcome exceptional odds to achieve excellence across various sectors in the UK and beyond. The awards celebrate role models who are shattering glass ceilings, inspiring their teams, uplifting communities, and paving the way for the next generation of talent.

WINNERS

To be announced on 22nd November 2024

Judges

Sheridan Ash

Founder & Co-CEO

Tech She Can

Sheridan, 2022 Forward Ladies Business Woman Of The Year, is a leader in Technology Innovation at PwC, and Founder and Co-CEO of charity Tech She Can. Sheridan set up the charity to improve career opportunities in technology for children and women. She’s a thought-leader on technological innovation and its contribution to productivity in the UKO.

Professor Nigel Lockett

BSc, MSc, PhD

University of Strathclyde

Professor Nigel Lockett is a senior academic, experienced mentor, serial entrepreneur and community leader. Currently an Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Strathclyde, mentor to founders of innovative startups in the TwinklHive business accelerator and contributor to the Qualitas GP Pathway to Partnership programme. Nigel is also a Fellow and past President of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and to raise awareness he blogs as The Dyslexic Professor. He also has more than 30 years’ experience as a company director, with a track record in managing start-up, joint venture and social enterprises.

Debra White

Rt. Customer Experience Director

Small Business Banking, HSBC

Recently retired Customer Experience Director, Small Business Banking, HSBC UK Debra White has been a Retail and Commercial Banker with HSBC Group for the last 40 years and in September 2016 took on the national role of Customer Experience Director for Business Banking Small Business. Previously Debra was the Regional Director for Small Business in the North region.

Debra spent three years as a Retail Area Manager developing a team of twenty Branch Managers in West Yorkshire and leading the Premier and Wealth proposition. Following this Debra was a Retail Branch Manager at key flagship branches in Huddersfield, York and then became a Branch Director in Leeds City delivering strategy and leading a customer service ethos. In her retirement Debra is now the secretary and volunteer at a local foodbank and NHS Responder.

Lara Oyesanya

Non-Executive Director

PensionBee Group plc

Lara is a seasoned financial services chief legal officer, general counsel, and company secretary with international experience. She’s skilled in regulatory, payments, enterprise risk management, consumer protection, SME law, offshore, employee relations (contentious and non-contentious), corporate transactions, and commercial banking. An Independent Non-Executive Director at PensionBee Group plc, a Board Trustee at Shaw Trust, a Contributing Editor, at LexisNexis Encyclopaedia of Banking Law, and a Fellow of The RSA. ‘Business Woman of the Year’ & ‘Corporate Leader’, 2018 FL National Awards. Ranked in The Lawyer Hot 100 2021. BBBA Financial Services Senior Leader of the Year 2021, ‘Woman in Legal’ winner of the 2022 Women4Africa Awards. Formerly, Zepz’s Chief Legal Officer and Group General Counsel, Contis General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, legal director at Klarna, senior legal counsel at Barclays and BAE Systems, a divisional counsel at RAC, a legal director at HBOS (Lloyds Banking Group) and Group Head of Legal at Lex (Lex Autolease). Former co-opted member of the University of Cambridge Council Committee (CBELA) that advised the Vice-Chancellor on benefactions. A solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and a barrister of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. A law graduate (LL.B Hons) of the University of Lagos with an LL.M in Comparative Company Law.

Lisa Kelly

Head of BTC UK & Ireland

BTC UK & Ireland

Lisa assumed the role of Head of BTC UK & Ireland in January 2016. She is also a member of the BASF Plc Leadership team. Having a strong passion for diversity & inclusion, Lisa represents BASF with WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). She also currently Chairs the Executive Committee for BACS (British Association for Chemical Specialities)

Her working career started as a Laboratory Technician at Magnesium Elektron (part of British Alcan) and then as a Sales Correspondent at Degussa Ltd.

Having joined the Fine Chemical Sales business at BASF plc in 1989, Lisa was delegated to Switzerland between 2001-2004 where she was North Europe Aroma Chemicals Manager. On her return to the UK she became Head of Sales Detergents & Formulators for BTC UK, BASF’s in-house chemical distribution company.

Professor George Lodorfos

Dean of Leeds Business School

Leeds Beckett University

Professor George Lodorfos is Dean of Leeds Business School at Leeds Beckett University.
He is an electrical and electronic engineer by first degree, he holds Masters degrees in Automation and Control as well as in Innovation and Technology Management, and a PhD in Strategic Management of Research and Development. In addition, he has supervised to completion and he has examined many PhDs both in the UK and Europe and is an external examiner for two UK universities.

He has extensive practical and academic experience in the field of Strategic Management, R&D and Adoption of New Technologies and Innovation. In addition, he has done extensive research and enterprise work in the areas of buyer behaviour with particular interest in online purchasing and the use of technology to enable the sustainable growth of businesses.

Ajaz Ahmed

Founder

Freeserve

Ajaz Ahmed is best known for being the founder of Freeserve, which was once the UK’s largest ISP and is now known as Orange broadband. He came up with the idea when he bought a computer and nobody in the store could tell him how to get into the internet, the rest, as they say, is history. He persuaded Dixons to launch Freeserve and it was eventually sold by Dixons to France Telecom for £1.6bn.

Hannah Duraid

CEO & Founder, UK Director

The Great Escape Game, Hyivy Health

Hannah Duraid is a multi-award-winning young entrepreneur, best known for founding The Great Escape Game, an immersive escape room attraction. Since launching in January 2015, the business is approaching its 10-year milestone and has expanded to three sites, including a location at the prestigious Royal Armouries Museum. Across these sites, the business offers 17 unique escape room experiences, bars, and kitchens. In 2023, Hannah also launched Gameshow Allstars, a game show-themed activity bar where “it’s like being on TV, but with a pint!” Players compete in mini-games inspired by classic TV shows for a unique and interactive social experience.

In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Hannah serves as the UK Director for Hyivy Health, a femtech company pioneering innovations in women’s health. She is also the founder of the Sheffield Business Runners, a group that connects local professionals through a shared passion for fitness, networking, and community engagement

Gillian Hosier

Head of Philanthropy

The Open University

Gillian is Head of Philanthropy for The Open University and brings over 11 years’ experience in fundraising for the higher education sector, working with a diverse range of trusts and foundations, corporate organisations and private indivdiuals. Gillian grew up near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire and is passionate about supporting the local area, having served as trustee to a local youth mental health charity, as a school governor and editor of her villages parish magazine. She lives in a small village near the city, with her partner and Kira the dog.

Richelle Schuster

Innovation Director

Creatcity Ltd

Richelle’s career in business transformation and innovation has focused on tackling the toughest commercial challenges for businesses at all stages – start-ups, scale-ups and the reinvention of established businesses. She has designed and delivered national business programmes, led a growth consultancy practice for a professional services firm, been Head of Innovation at Leeds City Council, advising the region on investment priorities to support innovative entrepreneurs and Innovation Director at Creatcity Ltd – a new skills and innovation consulting company she founded. 

Richelle is driven by challenge, breaking down barriers and creating impact-led strategies which can deliver both economic and societal gain - a central and motivating purpose that continues to shape her career.

Erica King

Director, Financial Accounting Advisory Services

Grant Thornton

Erica is a fellow of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) with over twenty years’ professional services experience, working with Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers, RSM and now Grant Thornton. Erica is the Director of the Business Process Solutions practice and has significant expertise in business process improvement and change management. She has led several outsourcing implementation projects for mid-sized businesses and specialises in advising clients with implementing digitally enabled onshore and offshore outsourcing solutions that help them to optimise operations and manage cost and risk mitigation.

She is also a busy mum of 2 boys and is passionate about supporting women to excel in the workplace.

Jhumar Johnson

Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor

The Open University

As Chief of Staff, Jhumar is aide, adviser and problem-solver to the Vice-Chancellor, focussed on communications, external relationships, and special projects, assisting with achieving his objectives and responsibilities towards the success of the University. She is also Director of Development ensuring alumni, donors and partners are at the heart of the OU family along with our staff and students.

Jhumar was responsible for delivering the University’s first fundraising campaign, surpassing the target, raising £60m, and running a year-long integrated campaign to celebrate The Open University’s 50th anniversary across the four UK nations and internationally. She has a background in major gifts consulting and practice in the not-for-profit sector and advising individuals and families on shaping their philanthropy.  She is an Executive coach, public speaker, mentor and trainer. She sits on the Board of the GSR Foundation and on John Lewis Partnership’s Happier Futures Strategic Advisory Board.

She is an alumna of the University of Oxford – Said Business School, the University of Westminster, The Open University and the University of Mumbai, and a member of the Chief of Staff Association, Chief, CASE and Chartered Institute of Fundraising. She is passionate about equity and inclusion, developing talent and education.  She is mum to 11-year-old Ryder.

Emma Wright

Partner, Co-founder

Harbottle & Lewis, Playfinder

Emma Wright leads the Technology, Data, and Digital team at Harbottle and Lewis. She excels in bridging law and business, specializing in AI, cyber, digital infrastructure, and Ofcom regulation. Her expertise extends to advising on emerging tech, online safety, cyber security, and legal tech, with notable speaking engagements and advisory roles, including with UNESCO. She is also a co-founder of the Inter-parliamentary Forum on Emerging Technology and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the tech industry, including Transformational Leader Of The Year and Business Woman Of The Year for the Novi Awards 2023 and recognition in Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in Tech list.

Naomi Begum-Inglis

Global Sales Lead

Accenture Microsoft Business Group

Naomi Begum-Inglis is the Global Sales Lead for the Accenture Microsoft Business Group and the Global Sovereign Lead. With a strong background in software engineering and technology, Naomi has excelled in delivering innovative solutions to clients. Her expertise lies in leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing to drive digital transformation and enhance business outcomes. 

Naomi is celebrated for her ability to move at a rapid pace, earning trust and respect as she leads the charge in a multi-billion dollar business, where her exceptional skills facilitate seamless client transformations to the cloud, offering valuable expertise and guidance that empowers clients to make impactful and informed business decisions. 

Naomi’s dedication and commitment to her work have earned her recognition as a reliable and results-oriented leader. She is known for her ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, enabling successful implementation of complex projects. Her exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic thinking have contributed to the success of numerous high-profile initiatives. 

Beyond her technical prowess, Naomi is also passionate about diversity and inclusion, actively promoting an inclusive work environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.  Naomi is also a guest lecturer at Oxford University on technology topics. 

Her strong interpersonal skills and empathetic approach make her a valued mentor and team player. Naomi is an exemplary global leader who possesses a profound understanding of various cultures, local nuances, and is exceptionally adept at ensuring her strategies incorporate a local approach while maintaining a global essence. 

Anna Keeling

Executive Officer - ABACUS Consortium

Accenture

Anna is a dynamic Chief Executive Officer and global executive with over two decades of global leadership experience across the industrial sector, including aviation, aerospace, defence, and automotive sectors. A recognised change agent and inclusive leader with gravitas, excellent interpersonal skills, and a structured, customer-focused approach to achieving business deliverables and growth. She has held full organisational P&L responsibility with annual revenues of over £500 million.

With experience of living in Australia, Switzerland, Poland, France, and the UK, and of working across 30 countries, her strengths lie in her ability to build and manage high-performing diverse global teams within complex technical and multi-cultural international businesses. She is highly motivated, curious, and creative, passionate about ensuring teams and businesses realise their growth potential.

Scarlett Lily Allen-Horton

Global Director of Energy, Engineering & Tech Leadership Search Divisions

Harper Fox Partners

Scarlett Allen-Horton is a highly accomplished recruitment leader, BBC Apprentice Finalist, innovative entrepreneur and founder of the multi-award winning Harper Fox Partners. Scarlett is also a keynote speaker, business mentor, business partner to Lord Sugar, RFC board advisor and voluntary ambassador for numerous charitable and purpose driven organisations.

Winners

Finalists

Public / Third Sector Leader of the Year

Usha Kong, Careers & Social Mobility Manager, Tower Hamlets Council.

Awards Categories

Entrepreneur Categories


These categories celebrate entrepreneurs. They are the women who founded or run businesses and maintain control and interest in their business.

Start Up of the Year

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

Female Entrepreneur of the Year

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

Disruptor / Innovator of the Year

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

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

This award is for women under 30 who own or run their own business. The applicant should ideally be able to demonstrate their current involvement in the successful business venture.

Corporate Categories


These categories celebrate female leaders and rising stars

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 of 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.

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.

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.

STEM Leader of the Year

This award is for women in a senior position working within the male dominated sectors such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. They should be able to demonstrate the positive impact of their role to the industry in which they work and show examples of how they have encouraged other women to join the sector.

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

Joint Categories


These categories are open to both entrepreneurs and established career women

Inspiring Mentor of the Year

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

Education / Academic Leader of the Year

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

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.

Public / Third Sector Leader of the Year

This award is for women who either run or who are employed to work or who volunteer a significant amount of their time working within public sector or charity organisations.

Special Awards


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.

One to Watch

Ones to Watch is a special status awarded to an individual showing promise and potential for the future who the judges want to acknowledge.

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