The Female Founder of the Year Award

Criteria 

According to data from Companies House, there are just under a million female led businesses in the UK, 19.1% of all active firms, but they received just 5.8% of all investments in 2024. The Treasury estimates that if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men, they would add £250 billion of value to the UK economy.

Last year, EY identified 45 SuperScaler female-led businesses with revenues over £50m and 240 with sales between £20m and £50m, who are inspiring the next generation of female founders.

This new award celebrates the economic contribution of female founders, from high potential start-ups and scale-ups to established businesses, who have delivered on their vision and plan, proven a new business model, or have a track record of successfully scaling one or several businesses.

Focusing on the personal contribution of a dynamic female leader, this Award recognises an enterprising individual who has achieved sustained growth and strong financial performance by building an engaged and productive team with a culture of innovation and resilience, effective management and inspirational leadership. Have you demonstrated:

• Visionary and inspirational leadership
• Identification of an untapped market opportunity
• Optimisation of employees and resources
• Strong commercial performance, financial results and profitable growth
• Creation of shareholder & stakeholder value
• Potential and plan for sustained growth
• Innovation in products, services or processes
• Customer engagement, loyalty & growth
• An ethical approach and profit with purpose

Scoring & Weighting 

In this category judges will compare the extent to which each candidate has demonstrated excellence in the following areas:

• Employee & Customer Engagement – 20%
• Leadership & Innovation – 30%
• Organisational Ethics & Policies – 20%
• Financial Performance & Growth – 30%