A Day to Celebrate Women in Business
Nestled in the stunning grounds of Whatton House in Loughborough, we gathered under the tipis for an unforgettable celebration of women in business. The East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards finalist announcement. The day offered more than just recognition. It was a moment to honour women’s success, share stories of resilience, and stand together in our commitment to driving greater equality in the workplace.
Despite progress, women only hold 4 in 10 board roles, and just 3 in 10 among the top 50 companies. Clearly, there’s still work to do. The Enterprising Women Awards, hosted by the East Midlands Chamber, aim to change that by spotlighting the region’s most inspiring female leaders. This year’s awards feature nine categories, from innovation to social commitment. The finalist reveal took place on 12th June at Whatton House. The main awards ceremony will follow on 26th September at Winstanley House in Leicestershire.
The gathering was brilliantly hosted by the dynamic duo Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain, an act full of humour, warmth, and wisdom. Their energy set the tone for an afternoon of celebration and reflection.
A Perfect Setting for Inspiration
Whatton House gave the day a truly special feel. Its peaceful gardens and towering trees set the perfect tone, calm and reflective before the buzz of the finalist announcements. We made the most of the dry weather, wandering through the grounds and soaking in the beauty around us. If you ever get the chance to visit, take a walk through the gardens, listen to the birdsong, and enjoy a quiet moment to yourself.
Of course, the rain did eventually arrive – and right on cue during the finalist announcements! Thankfully, we were safely tucked inside the tipis by then. I don’t envy the judges, narrowing down the finalists must have been incredibly difficult with so many deserving women in the room.
Engineering Equality
That’s why we’re especially proud that our very own Sonja Skelton, Managing Director of West Special Fasteners, was named a finalist for Businesswoman of the Year. Sonja is a passionate advocate for bringing more women into engineering, and her nomination is a testament to her dedication and leadership.
Sonja joined West Special Fasteners in 2000 and has worked her way through every department, gaining deep insight into every aspect of the business. She leads with clarity, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose. She actively builds a culture of empowerment, promotes work life balance, and pushes her colleagues to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
As a powerful role model for women in engineering and manufacturing, Sonja continues to break barriers in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Her leadership has driven West Special Fasteners to new heights, and the company keeps growing under her guidance.
Sonja said of the event
“It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Enterprising Women summer networking event with 3 of my colleagues and an absolute honour to be shortlisted as a finalist for the Business Women of the year awards“
As Women, we often downplay our achievements. We brush off success as luck or timing rather than owning the hard work, talent, and resilience behind it. But it’s time we change that narrative. We need to stop shrinking ourselves to fit outdated expectations and start celebrating what we bring to the table. Boldly. Unapologetically.
We don’t need permission to be proud. Now is the moment to showcase our talents, speak up about our wins and take up space in every room we enter. Let’s fix our tiaras, run our businesses with courage and clarity, and keep pushing for more, because we’ve earned it, and we’re just getting started.
Find out more about the Enterprising women awards here. 2025 East Midlands Enterprising Women Awards finalists announced – East Midlands Chamber
