Freeths honours the women of the Post office scandal at Women of the Year Awards 2025

Freeths was proud to sponsor and attend the 43rd Women of the Year Awards and Luncheon 2025, held on Friday 10 October at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. 

The event brought together over 400 guests to celebrate the achievements of women who are driving change, breaking boundaries, and inspiring others across the UK. WOTY Chair and Freeths’ Managing Associate Zalena Vandrewala and Director Wendy Dean join President, Writer and Actress Sally Lindsay in leading this annual celebration to congratulate women which have gone above and beyond in their field.

This year, Freeths was especially honoured to recognise the Women of the Post Office scandal, who received the Emmeline Pankhurst ‘Woman of Achievement’ award. Their courage in challenging one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in British history continues to inspire national reform and public accountability.

Freeths played a pivotal role in securing justice for the victims of the Horizon IT scandal. Spearheaded by Partner James Hartley, the firm led the landmark class action against the Post Office, exposing systemic failures and securing a historic legal victory. Some of the Freeths lawyers that continue representing postmasters in the various compensation schemes and fighting for full redress, Jade Flint, Emma Anderson, Michael Miller and Zalena Vandrewala, joined Senior Partner Philippa Dempster at the Awards to celebrate these women.

Commenting on the awards ceremony, Freeths Senior Partner Philippa Dempster said: “Honouring the women of the Post Office scandal is a moment of deep reflection and pride. Their bravery, resilience and refusal to be silenced have changed the course of justice in this country. We are privileged to stand beside them in their continued fight for truth and accountability.”

Alongside this powerful recognition, Freeths once again sponsored the ‘Freeths Woman with Edge’ award, which celebrates boldness, innovation, and impact. This year’s winner, Neev Spencer, an award-winning broadcaster and presenter of Magic Radio’s weekday afternoon show, impressed judges with her dynamic media career and her advocacy for mental health and charitable causes. 

Lisa Gilligan, Partner at Freeths, added: “The Women of the Year Awards shine a light on those whose stories inspire transformation and, amongst such inspiring talent from all finalists, we felt that Neev Spencer really embodied our own firm’s values and was a well-deserved winner of our Freeths Woman with Edge Award. Her fearless approach to broadcasting, her commitment to mental health advocacy, and her passion for empowering others made her a standout choice. We’re proud to celebrate women like Neev who are reshaping industries and kick-starting change.”

Rachel Corp, CEO of ITN, was also honoured with the Business Woman of the Year award for her outstanding leadership in broadcasting and her commitment to advancing women in journalism.

Freeths was represented on the judging panel alongside fellow sponsors Aldermore Bank, Pertemps PLC, LSH Auto UK and Strategi Solutions, contributing to the selection of winners who exemplify resilience, leadership, and purpose.

The awards continue to spotlight women across sectors including hospitality, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media. Past winners include Baroness Karren Brady, the late Dame Julie Kenny CBE, Baroness Helen Newlove, Fiona Allen, and Jenny Campbell.

Freeths remains committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in business and beyond.