Home Business Awards & Achievements Yorkshire-based female entrepreneurs recognised for inspirational work

Yorkshire-based female entrepreneurs recognised for inspirational work

Yorkshire-based female entrepreneurs on the world’s largest business accelerator programme have been commended at the first Igniting Inspiration awards.

Hosted by Inspiring Women Changemakers, the awards, which took place at aspire-igen in Bradford on Thursday 23rd November 2017, aim to provide recognition to women working hard to make a positive difference to their workplaces and communities.

With more than 90 people in attendance the awards evening was a fantastic success and the achievements of women from a range of backgrounds were celebrated on the night.

Founded in 2016 by Yorkshire businesswoman and lobbyist Anj Handa, Inspiring Women Changemakers is a dynamic movement of women leading transformational change in work, society and the world. The movement aims to make positive change for girls and women around the world.


Three entrepreneurs on the NatWest Entrepreneurial Spark business acceleration programme were nominated for their commitment to making positive change. The photography and videography was also provided by The Capture Lab, another fellow graduate from the business programme.

Vicky Morrell, founder of A Little Something Back won the Diversity-Driven Organisation award. Established in 2013, A Little Something Back is a unique fundraising rehabilitation charity providing a personalised gift direct service.

Ellie MacDonald, founder and managing director of Leeds-based PR agency MacComms, received a certificate of recognition for the Community Champion category. A company established based on treating people right, MacComms is a company with CSR at its very core. Assisting many charities, including Yorkshire homelessness charity Simon on the Streets, MacComms has a clear focus on giving back to the community.

Carole Greenway, founder of Cats Pyjamas Productions was also nominated for the Social Impact Star category. The company provides professional shows for the elderly and disabled in care homes, sheltered housing and day centres.

Commenting on the awards, founder Anj Handa said:

“I am extremely proud that the event was a huge success, a massive thank you to everybody that helped make this happen. We had a fantastic evening, recognising the truly inspirational work of women changemakers. There was such an energy in the room.”

“I would like to mention that what we’re especially proud of is the diversity within the nominees, winners and the wider team, with refugees from Syria and Afghanistan, a migrant from the Czech Republic, a Yorkshire woman with Italian/ German heritage, black and Asian women, a Paralympian, people with experience of mental health issues, and more.

“By sharing the stories of all the nominees, everyone feels engaged and included. The awards are about celebrating the work of women from different backgrounds, in different industries, working to make positive change in the world. I hope to implement this awards model for organisations that want to run their own internal awards events.”

Vicky Morrell spoke about her award win:

“I am thrilled to have been recognised for the charitable work I founded almost five years ago to enable offenders to maintain, rebuild and bridge their family ties whilst giving a little something back to those less fortunate than themselves.”

Commenting on her award nomination, Ellie MacDonald said:

“I am delighted to have received a certificate of recognition in the Igniting Inspiration awards. I hold a real focus on giving back to the community within my company. I encourage my team to carry out charity days as part of our CSR initiative, and have a passion for empowering young women to be more confident and ambitious. The Igniting Inspiration awards are a fantastic platform, celebrating people making positive changes and I’m thrilled to be included in it.”