The First Women Awards recognise:

Women who are trailblazers and pioneers in business genuine "glass ceiling breakers". The First Women Awards are not just for general business achievement.

Women whose achievements/"firsts" and individual actions have helped and are helping to remove barriers and open up opportunities for others to follow.

About us

The First Women Awards in association with Lloyds TSB were founded in 2004 by CBI and Real Business magazine. They were created to acknowledge women who are pioneers in business and they have gone from strength to strength.

Our mission

The British economy needs to have more women who want to go into business and create new businesses. Although tremendous advances have been made over the past decades, only three women occupy the CEO position in the FTSE 100. The nation needs girls at school to feel the world of business is right for them.

To encourage them, we should recognise those women who are being successful - and who are achieving that success on their own terms.
The First Women Awards aim to unearth and unveil a new generation of role models whether they are young entrepreneurs or low-profile pioneers in larger businesses.

Former winners include:

* Fru Hazlitt, former Managing director, Yahoo UK
* Lorraine Heggessey, talkback Thames
* Sophi Tranchell, Divine Chocolate
* Ann Gloag OBE , Founder, Stagecoach
* Jane Dyson, The Network
* Rosemary Squire, Ambassador Theatre Group
* Baroness Sarah Hogg, 3i

In 2007, we were delighted that Sarah Brown, the wife of the Prime Minister, became our patron.

Message from our Patron

"Last year, I was honoured to be patron of the First Women Awards. Once again, in 2008, it is a privilege for me to be involved in this important initiative. For me, what`s so inspirational about the First Women Awards is that they celebrate pioneering women; successful role-models who have broken new ground and opened up opportunities for other women.
From transport to the media to science and technology, I pay tribute to all you First women out there.
I encourage individuals and organizations to support these awards, by nominating your own pioneers and joining us to celebrate a stunning generation of women achievers."

Sarah Brown
Wife of Gordon Brown, The Prime Minister