This award is for the woman who looked at the way things were done and decided to do them differently.

She may have reinvented herself, her industry, or both. She's shown extraordinary resilience — getting up, trying again, and building something worth building against the odds. Her story doesn't follow a straight line, and that's exactly what makes it worth telling.

We're looking for someone whose boldness has not only changed her own trajectory, but opened up new possibilities for the women watching her.

For the female founder who amplifies others with power and purpose, celebrating brilliance wherever she sees it.

This is for the founder who has built a business and used that platform to lift others up. She advocates, mentors, opens doors, and makes noise on behalf of other women. Her business shows purpose as well as ambition – creating value not just commercially, but for the women in her orbit too.

We're looking for a founder with a track record of real achievement who has scaled with grit, navigated the hard parts, and brought others with her along the way.

This award exists because progress for women doesn't happen in isolation.

The Best Ally is the man who has used his position and his platform to actively advance women – with real, demonstrable action. He has spoken up, hired, promoted, sponsored and championed women at every level.

We're looking for evidence of sustained commitment; a consistent pattern of behaviour that has made a measurable difference to the women around him and beyond.

For the woman who has pursued financial independence, business growth or the empowerment of others with exceptional confidence, resilience and ambition.

This award recognises a woman who has taken bold, deliberate control of her financial life – whether that means building a business from nothing, making courageous investment decisions, or dedicating herself to helping other women do the same.

She understands that financial independence is one of the most powerful forms of freedom a woman can have — and she's either claimed it for herself, or worked hard to make it more accessible for others.