Freeths Manchester welcomes Women of the Year finalists ahead of October awards celebration

Leading law firm Freeths welcomed finalists, judges and representatives from the Women of the Year Awards (WOTY) to its Manchester office last week for a special luncheon and judging day ahead of this year’s awards ceremony on Friday, 9 October.

For more than four decades, WOTY has celebrated the achievements of exceptional women from across the UK. Now in its 44th year, the awards continue to recognise and champion women who are driving change, breaking barriers and inspiring others across business and wider society. Previous winners include influential figures such as Baroness Karren Brady, the late Dame Julie Kenny CBE, Rachel Corp, Fiona Allen and Jenny Campbell.

This year's finalists represent a diverse range of sectors, including technology, retail, beauty, manufacturing and professional services, each bringing a unique perspective and record of achievement.

As a long-standing sponsor of the awards, Freeths hosted finalists from two award categories for a day of networking, discussion and judging interviews. The event provided judges with the opportunity to hear first-hand from some of the UK's most inspiring businesswomen, exploring the journeys, achievements and challenges that have shaped their careers and organisations. Judges also met with finalists competing for Freeths Woman with Edge, the firm's sponsored category which recognises women who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and determination in overcoming challenges.

Among those taking part were leaders from high-growth businesses including Protein Works, Fuel Hub and Glow For It, alongside senior executives from UK Ministry of Defence and M Investment Group.

Lisa Gilligan, Freeths Partner and WOTY judge, said: “The judging day is always a reminder that there is no single route to success. Throughout the afternoon we heard from women operating in very different sectors, all with their own stories of growth, challenges and achievement, yet there was a common thread of determination and a willingness to keep pushing boundaries.

"What struck me most was the openness with which the finalists shared their experiences, including the realities of building businesses, leading teams and navigating change. It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know the people behind such impressive careers, and I'm excited to see them all come together again at the awards ceremony next month.”

The finalists will come together again in October when the winners of three categories will be announced: Businesswoman of the Year, Freeths Woman with Edge, and the Emmeline Pankhurst Award: Woman of Achievement. The latter was introduced following the awards' move to Manchester, recognising the city's unique place in the history of the suffragette movement.

Zalena Vandrewala, Chair of the WOTY Board and Managing Associate at Freeths, added: “Every year the awards introduce us to women who are making an extraordinary impact in their professions, and this year's finalists are no exception. The discussions throughout the day showcased not only impressive business achievements, but also a genuine commitment to supporting others and creating opportunities within their industries.

"We're incredibly grateful to Freeths for once again hosting this important stage of the process and, as sponsors of the Freeths Woman with Edge award, we're particularly proud to celebrate women whose determination, originality and drive set them apart. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Manchester again in October as we announce this year's winners.”

The Women of the Year Awards 2026 will take place for a third consecutive year at Manchester's Etihad Stadium on Friday, 9 October, welcoming more than 450 guests from across the UK. Freeths has supported the awards for more than 15 years and remains committed to championing initiatives that recognise leadership, promote opportunity and celebrate women's achievements.