INSPIRATIONAL achievers from Solihull were among those celebrated at the sixth Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards.
Hundreds came together at the Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam for the glittering ceremony hosted by Kirsty Leahy, Karen Jones and Roberto.
Local winners included BBC radio presenter Trish Adudu who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Media, as well as four of the five winners in a brand new Young Futures First category, honouring inspirational young people between the ages of 16 and 30.
Trish Adudu, from Coventry, has enjoyed a career in TV and radio spanning more than 30 years, including as an original member of ITV’s Loose Women panel between 1999-2002.
She is known for presenting the Weekday Afternoon programme on BBC local radio.
Other winners from included: Paola Spiga, Glam and Glow Beauty Lab, in Hockley Heath for Start-up of the Year; Becci Fox, of Solihull Moors for Excellence In Health and Welbeing; Jas Thiara of Alsters Kelley Solicitors, in Balsall Common for Excellence In Professional Services; and Rob Butler, of Tri Wellness Limited, in Solihull for Inspirational Businessman of the Year.
Anne Cawley and the team at Jamieson Christie Wealth Management, which has its headquarters in Balsall Common, were also presented with the Achieves For Community (Business) Award for their charity work.
Anne said: “Since formation over 20 years ago, we have strived to maintain key principles of treating others as you would wish to be treated, and to support and encourage all those around you. This includes valuing our wonderful staff and clients and the superb charities and organisations who work tirelessly for others. It was fabulous that some of our staff were able to join me to receive the award.”
Rob Butler was named Inspirational Man of the Year for his success at Tri Wellness Limited in Solihull, taking his own childhood experiences and subsequent mental health challenges to bring strength and positivity into his fitness and wellbeing studio.
He said: “This recognition truly means the world to me. I really hope me winning this award can inspire other young men and women to aspire to their goals, live for their purpose and be the people they deserve to be.”
The Awards, which were unveiled at The House of Commons in January, are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington.
The evening also raised £8,000 for The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund, which was established in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years.
The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients.
