"An investment in the visibility, voice, and impact of women": why our sponsors got involved in the Women's Recognition's Awards 2025

Because recognition opens doors. When we see what’s possible, it becomes easier to imagine where we fit and how far we can go. The Women’s Recognition Awards help bring those stories to the surface, and that matters.

At HTB, we care deeply about creating space for people to grow. For me, this is about more than celebrating individual achievements. It’s about standing behind the kind of leadership we want to see more of in our industry. That means backing women to lead in a way that feels authentic, challenging outdated expectations, and making progress visible.

This also reflects the work we’re doing internally. We talk a lot about inclusion, but progress only comes when we’re consistent, open, and honest about where we are. Awards like this help to hold that focus.

-     Alex Upton, Hampshire Trust Bank, sponsor of Woman in Management

We chose to be involved in the WRAs to advocate for gender equality, celebrate the achievements of women and inspire as many women as possible. The WRAs are a great platform to acknowledge the contributions of women, promote diversity and inclusion, and highlight the importance of building on a more equitable industry.

-     Tanya Elmaz, Together, sponsor of Specialist Lending Adviser of the Year

Our colleague Jen Curry shares, "The Women's Recognition Awards align with my belief in gender equity and the importance of celebrating women's contributions across the industry. I feel fortunate to work for an employer like Nottingham Building Society, which shares these values and actively supports development and empowerment. Events like this not only honour incredible role models but also help spark ambition and confidence in others."

This belief is shared across our Society. Ensuring women succeed in financial services is something we feel passionately about. For many, confidence can be a barrier to realising their full potential. That’s where events like these make a difference, by providing visibility, inspiration, and a platform to celebrate success.

-     Matt Kingston, Nottingham Building Society, sponsor of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Mental Health Advocate

The WRAs are a true beacon for equality in our industry. We’ve made significant progress over the years, but there’s still more to do to fully recognise and elevate the outstanding women who are shaping the future of our sector.

-     Charlotte Rutter, Roma Finance, sponsor of Woman in Specialist Lending

It was an easy decision for Quantum to get involved in the Women’s Recognition Awards. We’re a woman-dominated business, and we’re proud of the culture we’ve built; one that celebrates everyone's achievements and supports growth at every level.

Supporting initiatives like the #FRWRA25 is essential for us to demonstrate our sincere commitment to making an honest and genuine contribution that helps to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in financial services.

-     Harsha Dahyea, Quantum Mortgages, sponsor of Financial Adviser of the Year

The WRAs are a great initiative to showcase and celebrate success.

-     Jonathan Stinton, Coventry for Intermediaries, sponsor of Spokesperson of the Year

At MPowered, we believe that a truly successful industry thrives on the strength of a diverse workforce. Celebrating women’s achievements helps inspire a future where all voices are heard, valued, and empowered to drive change and innovation across our sectors. We’re proud to support the Women’s Recognition Awards 2025 as they shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of women.

-            Jennifer Harrison, MPowered Mortgages, sponsor of Woman in Fintech

I’m proud to share that Market Financial Solutions has been a sponsor of the Women’s Recognition Awards since 2022, to play our part in championing the work of the women in our industry and share their successes to inspire those looking to enter the market, but who may not know where to start.

Not only do these awards celebrate our continuous achievements, but they also highlight how far we’ve come, and what still needs doing. It has been great to see how much work and effort many companies in our industry have made year-on-year.

-     Leah Brunskill, Market Financial Solutions, sponsor of Woman Led Brokerage of the Year

At OMS, we believe that talent, innovation, and leadership thrive in an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to succeed.

The Women’s Recognition Awards shine a light on the incredible contributions women make to the mortgage industry, and we’re proud to support a platform that celebrates these achievements, inspires future leaders, and drives greater equality across financial services. By getting involved, we hope to not only champion today’s pioneers, but also help create a more inclusive industry for the next generation.

-     Angel Brooks, One Mortgage System, sponsor of Woman in the Mortgage Industry

We've been involved with the awards from the outset and as a business, we are keen to celebrate excellence and achievements across the industry.

-     Paul Hunt, Square 1 Media Limited, sponsor of Marketer of the Year

At L&C, we believe that progress is built on recognising and elevating those who are driving change. The Women’s Recognition Awards shine a spotlight on incredible talent, innovation and leadership across our industry who are challenging norms, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive industry. Becoming headline sponsor was a natural fit for us because we share that mission.

Sponsoring Entrepreneur of the Year allows us to celebrate women who are building, innovating, and leading with courage and creativity, the very qualities our industry needs to thrive in the future. As headline sponsor, we see this as more than a sponsorship; it’s an investment in the visibility, voice, and impact of women across our industry.

-     Rachel Eason-Whale, London & Country Mortgages, headline sponsor and sponsor of Entrepreneur of the Year

To learn more about how you too can get involved in the Women's Recognition Awards 2025, click here.