Last year's Business Woman of the Year, from Leamington, was the speaker at a prestigious event at London's House of Commons this week marking the official launch of a national awards campaign to celebrate some the country's most inspirational achievers.

The eighth Ladies First Professional Development Business Awards also marks the tenth anniversary of the group and will highlight success stories as well as raise funds for brain tumour research, at its glittering awards ceremony next year.

The 50 guests at The House of Commons, on Monday (7 September) heard from host MP Saqib Bhatti MBE, Retired MP Colleen Fletcher MBE, and Karen Jones as well as last year's Business Woman of the Year Elinor Perry.

Elinor, whose company Pentlands also sponsored the event, said: "At Pentlands, part of the Nuvo Group, we are proud to support organisations that create opportunities, build confidence and celebrate success. Ladies First has become a powerful platform for recognising inspirational leaders and entrepreneurs, and we are delighted to sponsor the launch of the 2027 Awards at such a prestigious venue."

The Awards are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common whose work with the group has also been recognised nationally.

Of the London launch she said: "What a fabulous day! To be able to hold such a celebratory occasion at the House of Commons was truly amazing. It is such an iconic and historic building and being there made us all feel incredibly honoured and special.

"The day was a wonderful opportunity to recognise incredible people and highlight just how important it is to enter awards. What makes the Ladies First Awards so special is that they are genuinely inclusive. We recognise inspirational women and men in business, charity workers, family businesses, young achievers and people from every age and background. Everyone has a story and everyone deserves the opportunity to have their achievements acknowledged.

She added: "A huge thank you to our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Elinor Perry, for sponsoring the House of Commons lunch, and to our MP sponsor, Saqib Bhatti MBE, for hosting us. We simply could not make these awards happen without the generosity of our sponsors, and we are now inviting businesses to get involved with our 2027 awards.

"By sponsoring the Ladies First Awards, you are helping us shine a light on incredible people and their stories, raising vital money for charity, while also showcasing and raising the profile of your own business. It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something truly special."

As well as being a long term Ladies First member, Karen Jones is the Lead Fundraiser for the QE Brain Tumour Fund, a dedicated charity fund under the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity that supports brain tumour patients, funds vital research, and provides cutting-edge equipment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).

She said: "The QE Brain Tumour Fund is a cause very close to my heart. We work closely with the clinical team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to make sure our fundraising is focused on where it is really needed.

"Brain tumours are the biggest killer of children and adults under 40. All funds raised go to support brain tumour research, pioneering equipment, our Home from Home and special wishes for those brain tumour patients who are experiencing challenging times."

The launch event was sponsored by Elinor Perry, partner at Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, in Leamington.

She said: "At Pentlands, part of the Nuvo Group, we are proud to support organisations that create opportunities, build confidence and celebrate success. Ladies First has become a powerful platform for recognising inspirational leaders and entrepreneurs, and we are delighted to sponsor the launch of the 2027 Awards at such a prestigious venue."

The awards, including some new categories, will be open for nominations from January. The Awards dinner will once again be held at the IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club on 16 September.

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities contact Tracey McAtamney at: [email protected]

Further information about Ladies First is available here.