On Friday evening, we headed to the Enterprising Women Awards East Midlands Chamber at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest to support our colleague, Nichol Thompson, who had been shortlisted for Employee of the Year.
The setting was beautiful. The walk from the car park felt a little longer than expected, particularly at the end of the night, but it was definitely worth it once we arrived at the venue. Set right beside the lake, it made a lovely backdrop for the evening and created a relaxed atmosphere from the moment everyone arrived.
And, of course, the food helped too. Everything was excellent, but the toadstool cheesecake was a particular favourite and definitely deserves a special mention!
An Evening Full of Inspiration
The awards were expertly hosted by Emma Jesson, with Enterprising Women co-chairs Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain leading the evening.
Enterprising Women was founded to champion and celebrate women in business across the East Midlands, and that was something you could really feel throughout the event.
One message that particularly stood out was the reminder that supporting women in business is about the rise of women, not the fall of men. It set the tone for the evening and captured what the event was all about: recognising achievements, encouraging ambition and creating opportunities.
One of the things that struck me throughout the evening was just how varied the finalists were. They came from a huge range of sectors and backgrounds, with everyone having their own story and achievements to share. From business owners and leaders to employees making a real difference within their organisations, there was an impressive amount of talent in the room.
There was also a lovely atmosphere throughout the evening. Awards ceremonies can sometimes feel quite formal, but this felt genuinely welcoming and supportive. When each winner was announced, there were smiles, applause and plenty of excitement from around the room. It never felt overly competitive. Instead, there was a real sense of people being pleased to see others recognised for their hard work and achievements.
A Well-Deserved Win
Of course, for us, the highlight of the evening came when Nichol Thompson was announced as Employee of the Year. sponsored by Cambridge & Counties bank.
Hearing her name called out was a fantastic moment, and one that was thoroughly deserved. Anyone who works with Nichol, knows just how much she puts into her role. Alongside her day-to-day responsibilities, she has played an important part in helping drive additional certifications, championing mental health initiatives across the business and taking on responsibilities well beyond what would normally be expected of her role.
Her commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile have made a real difference across West Special Fasteners. Whether she is supporting colleagues, improving processes or helping to move projects forward, she consistently brings positivity and determination to everything she does.
Seeing that dedication recognised in a room full of so many inspirational women from across the East Midlands made the achievement even more special.
Women in Manufacturing
As a manufacturing company, we were particularly proud to see one of our own team take home an award.
Manufacturing remains a sector where women are underrepresented. Recent figures show that women account for around 26% of the UK’s manufacturing workforce, despite making up more than half of the wider population.
That’s one of the reasons events such as Enterprising Women are so valuable. They give talented individuals the opportunity to be recognised, challenge outdated perceptions and highlight the wide range of careers and opportunities available.
They also provide important role models for the next generation, showing that women can build successful careers in manufacturing and make a significant contribution to the businesses and industries they work in.
Nichols success is a fantastic example of exactly that.
A Night to Remember
We always enjoy attending the Enterprising Women Awards, but this year’s event is one we’ll remember for a long time.
It was an evening filled with inspiring people, interesting conversations and plenty to celebrate. The lakeside setting, great food and welcoming atmosphere all helped make it a wonderful event, but seeing Nichol recognised for her achievements was undoubtedly the highlight for all of us.
Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners on the evening. Every award represented hard work, commitment and determination, and it was a privilege to hear so many different stories and achievements.
And finally, congratulations and thank you to Nichol. Your award is a reflection of everything you have contributed to West Special Fasteners and the effort you continue to put into supporting both the business and your colleagues.
We couldn’t have been happier to hear your name announced, and we’re delighted to see your hard work recognised.
Thoroughly deserved.
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