Sutton’s businesswomen have been celebrated at a new awards ceremony.
The first Sutton Women Mean Business Awards aims to recognise the many hard working and high achieving females in the borough.
In its first years, awards were given out for achievements in nine categories, including Contribution to the Community, Employer of the year, and leading women in retail, STEM and front line services.
Caroline Odogwu of She Is You UK was unanimously chosen to receive the premier prize of Sutton Businesswoman of the Year.
Caroline Odogwu & Fayon & She is You girls
“I am speechless, I’m so honoured to win," Caroline said.
"I want to congratulate everyone who was nominated - I think we all really deserve this award.
"I’ll continue to do the work I’m really passionate about which is about inclusion and diversity, empowering young women and helping them recognise their potential.”
The awards were established by Successful Sutton, and is sponsored by Sutton Council, ABC Hire, Beddington for Business, Kier Construction and Willmott Dixon.
Helen Bailey, chief executive of Sutton Council, who presented the Education, Skills and Training award, said: “The Sutton Women Mean Business Awards ceremony was a truly inspiring evening.
Sarah McKinnell, Willmott Dixon (left) & Caroline Odogwu, She is You, Sutton Businesswoman of the Year
"The winners and nominees all demonstrated an incredible level of skill, determination, energy and purpose.
"Sutton is lucky to have so many talented individuals building businesses and organisations that contribute to the vibrancy and prosperity of our community.”
Winners for the other categories were:
Business Entrepreneur: Rhiannon Ray, Presto Performing Arts
Contribution to the Community: Elena Nicola, Nickel Support
Corporate Leader: Jaci Barnes, Sutton Housing Partnership
Employer of the Year: Kate Gibson, Gibsons
Rising Star: Caroline Odogwu, She Is You UK
Women in Education, Skills and Training: Pauline Hennessy, Sutton Women's Centre
Women in Front Line Services: Mellissa Towers, Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust
Women in Retail: Vanessa Udall, House of Flowers
Women in STEM: Olivia Rossanese, The Institute of Cancer Research
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here