Every year, there is one event in the She Inspires calendar that quietly sets the tone for everything that follows. Long before the interviews begin and months before the awards ceremony, our annual She Inspires Judges Meet brings together the people who make the journey possible. It is where integrity meets inspiration, where expectations become clear, and where a room full of strangers begins to feel like a community.
This year’s Judges Meet, held on 4 June at the Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel, welcomed more than 120 guests, including our judges, finalists, previous winners, partners, sponsors and exhibitors. With around ten exhibition stands, wonderful hospitality and an atmosphere filled with warmth and anticipation, the evening was a reminder that She Inspires has never been simply about recognising achievement. It is about creating an environment where women feel seen, valued and encouraged to keep growing.
We are incredibly grateful to our headline sponsor, Stanmore Insurance Brokers, whose continued support has helped shape this event into one of the highlights of the She Inspires year. Our sincere thanks also go to Jackie Hyde, who once again led the judges’ refresher session with professionalism, care and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every finalist receives a fair, consistent and transparent judging experience.
The afternoon begins before the finalists arrive. Our judges spend time together revisiting the judging framework, discussing best practice and reflecting on the values that underpin the awards. It is a valuable opportunity to ensure consistency across every category, but it is also a reminder that behind every nomination is a person who has invested countless hours, overcome challenges and chosen to share their story with us. The judging process is never simply about measuring success; it is about recognising purpose, resilience and impact.
As the afternoon gives way to the evening, the atmosphere changes. The arrival of the finalists brings with it a wonderful sense of excitement. For many, this is their very first She Inspires event. There are familiar feelings of anticipation and, understandably, a few nerves, yet these quickly disappear as conversations begin. Instead of walking into a formal awards process, finalists discover something far more meaningful—a welcoming community that genuinely wants them to succeed.
One of the defining features of the Judges Meet is the opportunity for finalists to meet the judges informally. Questions can be asked, concerns can be addressed and the interview process becomes far less daunting. Rather than wondering what lies ahead, finalists leave with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of what to expect. It is a simple idea, but one that reflects our belief that recognition should never feel intimidating. It should be empowering.
The evening was beautifully moderated by Jenny Matthews, whose warmth and thoughtful approach created the perfect setting for honest and engaging conversations. Previous She Inspires winners shared their own experiences of the awards, reflecting not only on what it meant to receive recognition but on everything that followed. Their stories demonstrated that a She Inspires Award is rarely the end of a journey. More often, it becomes the beginning of new opportunities, new collaborations, greater visibility and renewed confidence to pursue even bigger ambitions.
Alongside these conversations, our exhibitors added another dimension to the evening, showcasing organisations, services and initiatives that share our commitment to supporting women and strengthening communities. Every conversation around the exhibition space had the potential to spark a new partnership, a new client relationship or simply a new friendship. These are often the moments that cannot be planned, yet they become some of the most memorable and valuable outcomes of the event.
At She Inspires, we often say that the awards ceremony is only one chapter in a much bigger story. The real journey begins months earlier through conversations, learning, collaboration and connection. The Judges Meet embodies that philosophy. It brings together people who may never otherwise have crossed paths and creates an environment where generosity, encouragement and shared experience take centre stage.
Recognition is powerful, but recognition on its own is not enough. It must lead to confidence, opportunity and economic agency. When women are recognised, they become more visible. Visibility opens doors to new conversations, new collaborations, new clients and new possibilities. That is why She Inspires exists—not simply to celebrate achievement, but to create a pathway where recognition becomes opportunity and opportunity becomes lasting impact.
As we now look ahead to the interviews and, ultimately, the She Inspires Awards later this year, we do so with excitement and optimism. The stories we heard throughout the evening reinforced what we have always believed—that when women are recognised, connected and championed, remarkable things happen. The Judges Meet is where those possibilities begin, and we cannot wait to celebrate the remarkable women who continue to inspire positive change in their communities, workplaces and beyond.
If you would like to be part of this unforgettable evening, Early Bird bookings for the She Inspires Awards are now open. Whether you’re joining us to celebrate a finalist, support a colleague, connect with inspiring leaders or simply experience an evening dedicated to recognising extraordinary women, we would love to welcome you.
Visit www.sheinspires.org.uk, click Events & Awards, and secure your Early Bird tickets today. We look forward to celebrating with you.
