Businesswomen from across the East Midlands gathered for the 2024 Enterprising Women Winter Social at Lumbers in Leicester on 3rd December.
The exclusive afternoon tea and networking event was an opportunity for women in business to connect, share ideas and build meaningful business relationships in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
The event included a special presentation to Enterprising Women Awards Businesswoman of the Year winner Andrea Gray, who had been unable to attend the award ceremony that took place in September. The award, sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear, is one of the most prestigious of the ceremony and goes to a woman identified as exceptional within the East Midlands business community for their leadership, influence, example, wealth of experience and skill.
Andrea is Managing Director of Leicester-based music licencing company PPL PRS and said: “What a huge honour to win this award – I’m absolutely blown away. There was some phenomenal competition in this category. I want to say a huge thank you to Enterprising Women and East Midlands Chamber who put on the awards, as well as Michael Smith Switchgear for sponsoring this category.”
Michael Smith Switchgear are a carbon neutral company based in Leicester that manufactures, installs and maintains low voltage switchgear and control panels for clients throughout the UK and were the headline sponsor of the 2024 Enterprising Women Awards.
Eileen Perry MBE DL is Co-founder of Enterprising Women, an East Midlands Chamber network of women in business within the East Midlands. Eileen said: “A highlight was Andrea Gray being presented the Businesswoman of the Year award by Emily Smith of headline sponsor Michael Smith Switchgear. As Andrea couldn’t be at the awards it was a fantastic opportunity for the network to celebrate her successes!
“The Winter Social was such a special event, and I believe its success comes down to the incredible sense of connection and community of Enterprising Women. Women in business are so often balancing multiple roles – especially at Christmas, so events like this provide a rare opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate achievements together.”
Co-founder Jean Mountain added: “The mix of inspiration, collaboration and celebration is what makes these events so appealing. Women in business want spaces where they can be themselves, find support, and feel celebrated for their contributions. This year’s Winter Social offered just that, plus some festive fun to get everyone into the Christmas spirit!”
As the busy 2024 Enterprising Women event calendar draws to a close, the network’s founders reflected on some of the many standout moments.
“It’s been an incredible year for Enterprising Women,” says Eileen, “what stood out for me was the Awards. Showcasing remarkable talent and witnessing the progression of our members over the years is always such a highlight.”
Jean Mountain said: “For me, it’s the stories behind the successes. Hearing how our members have taken inspiration or opportunities from our events and turned them into career milestones or business wins is what makes it all worthwhile. It’s been a privilege to witness the power of what can happen when women support women.”
As women in business in the East Midlands look ahead to 2025, Eileen had this advice: “Take a moment to celebrate your wins, big and small. The festive season is a wonderful time to reflect on what you’ve achieved, but also to recharge. Remember, self-care is essential for sustaining success. As we look to the new year, my message is to lean into collaboration – together, we can achieve so much more.”
Jean Mountain said: “My message is simple – you are doing amazingly! The challenges we face as women in business are real, but so are the triumphs. Use this festive period to reconnect with what matters most to you, whether that’s family, friends, or your ambitions for the future. In 2025, don’t be afraid to aim high and seek out the support of networks like Enterprising Women – because together, we are unstoppable.”
To find out more about Enterprising Women click here.
