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INSPIRATIONAL achievers from Coventry and Warwickshire were among those celebrated at the seventh Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards.

Three hundred people assembled at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam for the glittering ceremony last week, hosted by Kirsty Leahy and Karen Jones.

The evening’s entertainment also included performances by Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School and singers Pippa Langhorne, Colin ‘Sugarfoot Mills’ and Ruth Kelly.

Headline winners on the night included the Business Woman of the Year, Abigail Edmunds from Stratford and Elinor Perry, of Pentlands Accountants, in Leamington who was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award. Lianne Kirkman was awarded the Community Champion prize after founding The Esther Project a women-only initiative to provide gender-specific support – as well as launching The Esther House – a seven-bed supported living accommodation in Leamington, providing a safe space for women to recover.

Lianne said: “I am so proud and was completely overwhelmed. This award may have my name on it, but I received it on behalf of our whole team at The Esther Project. You can’t achieve what we have in this last year without a strong team of people standing beside me.

“As a volunteer myself, and with some other amazing ladies also giving their time for free, we have really achieved so much to establish The Esther Project as an independent community project this last year.”

Elinor Perry said: “This was a real ‘pinch me’ moment and completely unexpected. 2025 is a particularly special year, marking 20 years of owning and leading Pentlands and 25 years of working in the business. To be recognised at this milestone is just wonderful. It’s a real honour, and I was so pleased that friends, clients, and members of the Pentlands team were there to share in such a special moment.”

Abigail Edmunds said: “Since taking over Domino Style eight years ago I have worked so hard to make sure the business a success in what is a very competitive and tough market. So to win this award and to be recognised in this way is incredible, especially in a competition full of so many incredible and inspiring women! However, I wouldn’t be here without the huge support I receive on a daily basis from my incredible Domino team, my family and friends for their unwavering support and to my amazing customers.”

Other local winners were: Tracy Benbow and Wendy Coris, of Fabulous Suppers in Warwickshire; (Family Business of the Year); Beverly Clarke, of Spear Travels in Stratford (Excellence In Professional Services); Harpreet Stevenson, of Collective Companion, in Warwickshire (Excellence In Marketing); Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR in Warwick (Excellence In Media); Alana Patchett, of Purple Monster, in Warwick (Excellence In Technology & Innovation); Clare Haynes, of Wildfire in Leamington (Business Consultant/Coach of the Year); Preeti Lekhi, of Seymours Solicitors in Leamington (Women In Property); Sophie Howe, of Comtec Translations in Leamington (Inclusive Leadership); Cynthia Tamraz, of Café Desa in Leamington (Excellence In Independent Food); Natalka Hunka of Aspire HR & Training Consultants in Knowle (Start-Up of the Year) and Chris Pickering, of L Pickering & Sons in Warwick (Businessman of the Year); Rebecca Boulton, Leader in Creative Arts at Finham Park 2 School in Coventry; (Special Recognition) and Lindsey Gillespie who scooped Trailblazer of the Year for Pawesome Pets Grooming School.

Natalka Hunka said: “I am shocked, humbled, and overwhelmed to be chosen as the winner of the Business Start-Up of the Year Award for Ladies First 2025 after only being in business a few months.  My category was a very tough one with many nominations and finalists and to be chosen from those was fabulous.”

Tracy Benbow said: “We feel so proud to be amongst such talented, dynamic, supportive businesses and business owners. The competition for the award was fierce and we are so grateful to our clients, suppliers and our families who have supported us so far. We absolutely love what we do and the award is  very much gratefully received.”

Beverly Clarke said: “Winning the Excellence in Professional Services is a very proud moment in my career.”

Harpreet Stevenson said: “Winning the Excellence in Marketing Award marks a huge milestone for Collective Companion as we grow! I’m still in shock, but I’m also so excited and feeling honoured to have won!”

Amanda Chalmers said: “Another proud moment in the journey of Chalmers News PR, now into its seventh year. I dedicate it to all the amazing clients who have entrusted me with their businesses and charities and feel honoured to be recognised for doing something I absolutely love turning up for every day!”

Alana Patchett said: “This recognition means a great deal, and it reflects the incredible work of the entire team at Purple Monster. We’re proud to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the virtual event space—of course, always grounded in the importance of human connection. It was a privilege to be part of such a strong category, surrounded by talented and inspiring women who are making waves in tech and innovation. I celebrate every one of them!”

Clare Haynes said: “Knowing the judges were looking for expertise, dedication, proficiency, driving cultures of continuous improvement and having a lasting impact on businesses and individuals, it feels like huge recognition! I hope it opens doors for me to help more people, especially women, who need more confidence in speaking up.’’

Preeti Lekhi said: “Winning this award has been a reminder of all the progress I have made and the work still ahead as I enter the next chapter in my career and the most important one yet.  I share this award with all the women who have had to push a little harder, speak a little louder and believe a little deeper.”

Sophie Howe said: “Sophie Howe said: “This award is a real reflection of the brilliant people who make it all work – the Comtec team and the talented linguists we’re lucky to partner with.”

Cynthia Tamraz said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Independent Food Business award, especially from such an inspiring organisation as Ladies First. This recognition means so much – not just to me, but to the entire team who pours their heart into what we do every day. We’re proud to be part of a community that celebrates passion, resilience, and the power of women in business.”

Chris Pickering said: “With a legacy of continuous evolution, our story began in 1945 when my grandfather, Leslie Pickering, founded our first factory in Kenilworth. From crafting handmade aluminium combs to pioneering advanced filtration and perforation solutions, we proudly celebrate over 80 years of engineering excellence driven by our values of collaboration, shared purpose, and collective achievement.”

Among those presented with Special Recognition Awards on the night were: Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, of Bia’s Kitchen Show, Leamington and Iliada Rossi of Rossi Studio Ltd, Warwick.

Bianca said: “This special award marks the latest cause for celebration on the Bia’s Kitchen Show journey. I am incredibly grateful to be recognised for not only the success of my brand but also for my continued involvement in Ladies First whose ethos mirrors that of my own – to champion and celebrate inspirational individuals and businesses with an ‘appetite’ to succeed.”

Iliada said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award. It’s a wonderful recognition of the hard work and passion that has gone into building my interior architecture and design firm.”

The Awards, which were unveiled at The House of Commons in February, are headed up by Ladies First director Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and sponsored by Edwards Wealth, in Berkswell; Alsters Kelley Solicitors; Pertemps Network; IXL Centre; Mallory Court Country House; Bia’s Kitchen Show and Sandhu Foods.

Tracey said: “Our Ladies First Awards celebrated the achievements of both women and men in our community, honouring those who have gone over and above in their business and in their personal lives. A massive congratulations to all of our winners and finalists. It was your night to shine!

“It was most definitely an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, raising vital funds for our local breast cancer wards and enjoying first class entertainment throughout.

“I would like to express a huge thank you to our sponsors, partners, members and awards team, in particular Atul Lakhani and his staff at the IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club and incredible Sanjay Food.”

The evening included an auction and raffle, which raised around £5,000 towards Sue Cressman’s ongoing fundraising for new breast cancer equipment for Birmingham hospitals.

Other winners were:

Excellence In Health & Wellbeing (Sponsored by Air Aesthetics)
Donna-Maria Grant, Tummy2Mummy Midwifery & Scanning Services, Hinckley

Excellence In Health & Wellbeing – Beauty (Sponsored by Ladies First)
Doreth Abrahams, Laydidee’s Natural Skincare, Wolverhampton

Woman of Courage (Sponsored by Nailcote Hall)
Jade Horton, Merkaba Holistics, Cambridgeshire

Charity of the Year (Sponsored by Mallory Court)
Debbie Roscoe, Arrive Alive Charity, Birmingham

Influencer of the Year (Sponsored by Audley Binswood)
Maxine Faulder, About Face, Solihull

Rising Star & Future Leader (Sponsored by Alsters Kelley Solicitors)
Gabriela Goldberg, George Green LLP, Birmingham

Inspirational Woman Award (Sponsored by Ladies First)
Suzanne Virdee, Redditch

Inspirational Man of the Year (Sponsored by Pertemps Network)
Chris Boehm, Leap IT, Hockley Heath

Other Special Recognition Awards went to: Paola Spiga, Glam & Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath; Daniel Skerma, of PA Forum, Birmingham; Gemma Mills, of Born2Sing, Birmingham; Emily Burton, of The Valley, Evesham and Ronaldo Hare, of Men’s Prosperity Club C.I.C, Birmingham.

Full list of winners can be found here: https://ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk/2025-winners/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warwickshire-based solicitors Alsters Kelley has today announced the acquisition of Banbury-based Aplins Solicitors, making it one of the largest solicitor’s firms in the region.

The acquisition further extends its presence into Oxfordshire and bringing its total number of offices to six.

It is an exciting development for the Legal 500 firm which already operates in Coventry, Nuneaton, Leamington Spa, Southam and Stratford-upon-Avon and it is their second acquisition in the last five years.

Fourteen members of staff at Aplins, plus the three current partners will remain at the firm, taking the total Alsters Kelley workforce to 100.

Aplins, which is situated in West Bar, Banbury was established in 1739 and has a long history. It currently offers services in Private Client and Conveyancing.

The deal will allow the firm, which will become known as Alsters Kelley incorporating Aplins, to extend its range of services throughout Banbury and the surrounding areas, whilst continuing to provide a high level of personal service for which it has always been renowned.

Cathy Wahlberg, Managing Director at Alsters Kelley, said: “The acquisition of Aplins marks the start of an exciting new chapter for both firms.

“Aplins boasts an impressive pedigree and has a highly talented and experienced workforce. It has an excellent reputation throughout the Banbury area and the acquisition seemed like the next natural step in Alsters Kelley’s own journey.

“It provides us with an excellent platform for growth and we look forward to welcoming every member of the workforce to our team and developing the business in the years to come for the benefit of both the staff and our clients.”

Both firms pride themselves on their friendly, approachable service combined with expert legal advice with Alsters Kelley operating on the mantra of being kind, helpful and excellent in the delivery of its service at all times.

Indeed, it was this ethos which attracted partners Philip Waters, Miranda Tarrant and Robert Henshaw and gave them the confidence that it was the right fit for both the firm and its clients.

Philip Waters, Senior Partner at Aplins commented: “After years of operating as a small practice, the time had come for us to seek new opportunities.  The legal landscape has changed significantly during that time, becoming a great deal more complex with the requirement for increased technology.

“It was however important that we shared the same professional ethics. In a practice such as ours consistency and continuity are essential.

“Equally important however was Alsters Kelley’s ability to introduce new technologies and increased expertise which will serve as a major boost to the firm and mark a new era for the business.

“The future looks very exciting and we are all very much looking forward to working with the Alsters Kelley team.”

Alsters Kelley’s range of services include Family (divorce, finances, children matters), family care (adoption, care proceedings, abductions), private client (wills, powers of attorney, tax and trusts), conveyancing, personal injury, medical negligence, dispute resolution and criminal cases including motoring offences.

Food lovers took time to visit an exclusive book signing event in Stratford last week for author, chef, presenter and entrepreneur Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, from Leamington.

The event was hosted by The Woodsman Restaurant, whose executive chef Greg Newman, was one of those featured in the book, ‘Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude.’

It is the first book in a collection launched by Brazilian-born Bianca, who also fronts the successful Bia’s Kitchen Show on YouTube, and celebrates independent businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Rooted in Bia’s own journey of overcoming personal challenges through her passion for cooking, this beautifully crafted collection invites readers to embark on a flavourful adventure. Featuring recipes from her popular online TV series – as well as some of her own creations – the book introduces some of the best independent food businesses in Warwickshire, showcasing talented chefs, nutritionists, and food artisans who bring their love of culinary art to life.

And every purchase makes a difference, with all profits supporting the mental health charity, Coventry, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire Mind, a cause close to the author’s heart following years of her own personal struggles.

Bianca said of the event: “What a night! I honestly still have goosebumps. Being at The Woodsman, surrounded by amazing people, flavours, and stories – it was pure magic.

“Chef Greg, who’s featured in the book representing the restaurant, brought so much heart to the evening, and I’m just so grateful to him and the whole team for hosting us. It felt like one big family celebration – laughter, hugs, incredible food, and so much love. This book is all about community, resilience, and joy – and the book signing was exactly that. And the best part? Every copy sold helps support mental health through Mind. We’re cooking with purpose, baby!”

From comforting family meals to exotic dishes, the recipes in this book are both accessible and inventive, allowing home cooks of all levels to recreate the magic of these local chefs in their own kitchens.

Alongside these mouth-watering dishes, Brazilian-born Bia shares her heartfelt story of how cooking became her path to happiness, making this book a deeply personal and uplifting read.

The book also includes a personal dedication to her brother-in-law Oli Perry who took his own life in 2021 and has been published in his memory.

It’s Bia’s combined passions of cooking and entrepreneurialism that became a lifeline – even going on to win Couple’s Come Dine With Me on Channel Four. Buoyed by her early business success running a thriving food delivery service during lockdown, it was in January last year that the Bia’s Kitchen Show brand was born.

Since then Bianca and her show, which is streamed regularly on YouTube, have won the affections of a loyal and growing UK audience.

Jade Clarke, from Coventry, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire Mind, said: “Bia and her cookery book have brought a truly unique spark to our fundraising efforts. Her delicious recipes, paired with her incredible energy and warmth, have made a lasting impact.

“What has been especially heartfelt is Bia’s personal connection to mental health. Her honesty and openness in sharing her story deeply resonate with so many.

“As a charity, we are incredibly grateful to Bia for shining a spotlight on mental health through her love of food. We support over 44,000 people a year, so every penny counts!

The proceeds raised from her cookery book will help support the invaluable services we provide to the people who need us most.”

To view the Bia’s Kitchen Show Greg Newman episode visit HERE.

Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude is published by Birmingham-based The Book Chief and is now available for order from Bia’s Kitchen Show HERE and through Amazon HERE.