Birmingham winners among those celebrating business success

Three hundred people assembled at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam, Warwickshire, for the glittering ceremony last week, hosted by Kirsty Leahy and Karen Jones.

The evening’s entertainment also included performances by Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School and singers Pippa Langhorne, Colin ‘Sugarfoot Mills’ and Ruth Kelly.

Local winners included Debbie Roscoe (Charity of the Year). Debbie heads up Arrive Alive in Birmingham – a charity that provides vehicles and equipment, including defibrillation and bleed kits, into communities and Chris Boehm, of Leap IT in Hockley Heath who was named Inspirational Man of the Year.

Debbie Roscoe said: “I’m incredibly honoured and humbled that Arrive Alive has been named Charity of the Year by the Ladies First Awards. This recognition means so much not just to me, but to everyone who has stood beside us in our mission to save lives.”

“Every second counts when a 999 call is made. Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, we’re able to fund lifesaving vehicles and equipment that help ambulance services and frontline responders reach those in desperate need.”

Chris Boehm said: “Winning Inspirational Man of the Year is an incredible honour. This isn’t just my award - it belongs to the team at Leap IT, my family, and everyone who stood by me during the toughest times. I’ve always believed that real success comes from lifting others up, staying true to your values, and never giving up no matter how hard the journey gets.”

Also recognised were: Doreth Abrahams, of Laydidee’s Natural Skincare in Wolverhampton. (Excellence In Health & Wellbeing – Beauty); Natalka Hunka of Aspire HR & Training Consultants in Knowle (Start-Up of the Year); Gabriela Goldberg, of George Green LLP in Birmingham (Rising Star & Future Leader); and Maxine Faulder of About Face in Solihull. (Influencer of the Year). Maxine left her job to take over her husband’s business following his sudden death from complications with prostate cancer last year.

Maxine Faulder said: “I'm thrilled to have won the influencer of the year award. I dedicated this to Cliff my beloved husband R.I.P. AboutFace will live on in his legacy.”

Doreth Abrahams said: “The award is a testament to our commitment to quality, sustainability and holistic care. This recognition celebrates the brand's dedication to using all-natural, ethically sourced ingredients that nourish the skin while promoting overall wellness.”

Gabriela Goldberg said: “Coming from a humble background, this recognition means more than I can put into words. It’s a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, anything is possible. I’m truly grateful for the journey so far and incredibly excited for what lies ahead.”

Natalka Hunka said: “I am shocked, humbled, and overwhelmed to be chosen as the winner of the Business Start-Up of the Year Award for Ladies First 2025 after only being in business a few months. My category was a very tough one with many nominations and finalists and to be chosen from those was fabulous.”

Locally, Special Recognition Awards went to: Paola Spiga, of Glam & Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath; Daniel Skerma, of PA Forum, Birmingham; Gemma Mills, of Born2Sing, Birmingham; and Ronaldo Hare, of Men’s Prosperity Club C.I.C, Birmingham.

Paola said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have received the Special Recognition Award, marking a proud moment as Glam and Glow Beauty Lab becomes a multi award-winning salon. This award is not only a celebration of my business success, but also a recognition of the support and contribution I’ve made through Ladies First Networking helping to uplift and connect fellow women in business. Being part of a community that champions collaboration over competition is truly powerful, and I’m proud to be growing alongside it.”

Gemma Mills said: “I am overwhelmed with the recognition at Ladies First! I think the work they all do is amazing.”

Ronaldo Hare said: “I was struck with surprise when I heard my name called for the Special Recognition Award, but that feeling quickly turned into joy as I walked to the stage and heard our accomplishments being celebrated. I’m truly honoured to be recognised and to continue championing men’s mental well-being.”

Big winners on the night included the Business Woman of the Year, Abigail Edmunds from Stratford and Elinor Perry, of Pentlands Accountants, in Leamington who was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award. Lianne Kirkman was awarded the Community Champion prize after founding The Esther Project in Leamington and Jade Horton of Merkaba Holistics, in Stamford was awarded Woman of Courage. Jade went on to become a successful reiki master after losing her two children and herself suffering life-changing injuries in a devastating fire in 2020.

The Awards, which were unveiled at The House of Commons in February, are headed up by Ladies First director Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and sponsored by Edwards Wealth, in Berkswell; Alsters Kelley Solicitors; Pertemps Network; IXL Centre; Mallory Court Country House; Bia’s Kitchen Show and Sandhu Foods.

Tracey said: “Our Ladies First Awards celebrated the achievements of both women and men in our community, honouring those who have gone over and above in their business and in their personal lives. A massive congratulations to all of our winners and finalists. It was your night to shine!

“It was most definitely an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, raising vital funds for our local breast cancer wards and enjoying first class entertainment throughout.

“I would like to express a huge thank you to our sponsors, partners, members and awards team, in particular Atul Lakhani and his staff at the IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club and incredible Sanjay Food.”

The evening included an auction and raffle, which raised around £5,000 towards Sue Cressman’s ongoing fundraising for new breast cancer equipment for Birmingham hospitals.

Other winners were:

Tracy Benbow and Wendy Coris, of Fabulous Suppers in Warwickshire; (Family Business of the Year); Beverly Clarke, of Spear Travels in Stratford (Excellence In Professional Services); Harpreet Stevenson, of Collective Companion, in Warwickshire (Excellence In Marketing); Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR in Warwick (Excellence In Media); Alana Patchett, of Purple Monster, in Warwick (Excellence In Technology & Innovation); Clare Haynes, of Wildfire in Leamington (Business Consultant/Coach of the Year); Preeti Lekhi, of Seymours Solicitors in Leamington (Women In Property); Sophie Howe, of Comtec Translations in Leamington (Inclusive Leadership); Cynthia Tamraz, of Café Desa in Leamington (Excellence In Independent Food); Chris Pickering, of L Pickering & Sons in Warwick (Businessman of the Year); Lindsey Gillespie, Pawsome Pets Grooming, Coventry (Trailblazer of the Year); Donna-Maria Grant, Tummy2Mummy Midwifery & Scanning Services, Hinckley (Excellence In Health & Wellbeing); Suzanne Virdee, of Redditch (Inspirational Woman Award); Bianca Rodrigues-Perry of Bia’s Kitchen Show in Leamington (Special Recognition); Rebecca Boulton, a teacher at Finham Park 2 School in Coventry; (Special Recognition) Iliada Rossi of Rossi Studio Ltd, Warwick and Emily Burton, of The Valley, Evesham (Special Recognition).