The awards, organised by East Midlands Chamber, brought together 300 guests to recognise female business leaders, teams, apprentices and entrepreneurs across 10 award categories.

As sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement Award, NOCN Group had the privilege of recognising TV presenter Anne Davies, who was named this year's recipient. Rachel Hobson, Group Director of Customer Services and Operations at NOCN Group, presented Anne with the award on the night.

Recognising a lifetime of achievement

Anne has been delivering the news to audiences across the East Midlands for 40 years, building a long-standing connection with the region and its communities.

For NOCN Group, sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement Award was an opportunity to recognise the contribution women make across the East Midlands and celebrate an individual whose work has made a lasting difference.

Speaking after the awards, Rachel said:

“We wanted to sponsor the Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise and acknowledge the fantastic work women in the region do. Being able to recognise someone who's dedicated so much to the business community and to women – giving women the platform to be able to progress in work, in life and business has meant so much to us.

"The Enterprising Women Awards are an opportunity to give women a platform to progress themselves, to acknowledge the great work that women are doing – that’s so critical.”

NOCN Group's involvement with this year's awards began earlier in the summer, when colleagues attended the Enterprising Women Summer Social and Finalist Announcement. The event gave attendees a chance to meet some of this year's finalists and hear from Sandra Wiggins, recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, as she reflected on her journey and what the recognition meant to her.

Friday's ceremony brought that journey full circle, celebrating the winners and finalists and recognising the contribution women continue to make to businesses and communities across the East Midlands.

Congratulations to Anne on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and to all of the Enterprising Women Awards 2026 winners and finalists.

Thank you to East Midlands Chamber and everyone involved in bringing together another fantastic celebration of women in business.