Guest speaker for Women of Achievement Awards announced
PASSIONATE ADVOCATE: Ashley James
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
One of the UK’s most recognisable feminist voices has been announced as the guest speaker for the Women of Achievement Awards 2026.
Broadcaster and writer Ashley James will headline this year’s event, bringing her trademark honesty and long‑standing advocacy around women’s safety, wellbeing and opportunity, alongside her support for organisations including Girlguiding and Women’s Aid.
A regular contributor to ITV’s This Morning, she adds to a distinguished line‑up of past celebrity speakers, including Janet Street‑Porter, Esther Rantzen, Gloria Hunniford and Katie Piper.
Organised by Women in Business Hull, the biennial awards are the biggest celebration of women in business in the Hull and East Yorkshire region, recognising the achievements of women who are making a significant impact in their workplaces, industries and communities.
Rachel Miskin, Chair of Women in Business Hull, said: “The Women of Achievement Awards are about recognising the extraordinary contribution women make to business, leadership and our communities every single day. They celebrate resilience, innovation, determination and success, and we know there are so many remarkable stories still waiting to be told.
“We are absolutely delighted to have secured Ashley James as this year’s guest speaker. Ashley is a passionate advocate for women, equality and confidence, and I know her honesty and insight will resonate with so many people.
“We were also pleased to announce our chosen charity for this year – Hull Lighthouse. It’s a local organisation whose work closely reflects Ashley’s commitment to supporting and protecting women. Their long‑term, compassionate support for women affected by sexual exploitation is truly life‑changing, and we’re proud to help shine a light on the difference they make in our community.”
This year’s launch event, which attracted almost 100 people, saw awards compère Fiona Dwyer – former senior reporter with ITV Calendar News turned PR consultant – take to the stage with Dr Diana Taylor from Future Humber, the reigning overall Women of Achievement winner, for an inspiring conversation about her experience and the impact of the award.
Entries for the Women of Achievement Awards 2026 are now open. Categories include:
• New Business Award, sponsored by Sparq
• Established Business Award
• Voluntary Award, sponsored by Jadan Press
• Apprentice/Trainee Award
• Woman in STEM Award, sponsored by James Ray Recruitment
• Female Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by HSBC UK
• Women Breaking Boundaries Award, sponsored by MKM
• Outstanding Impact Award, sponsored by Lexus
• Lifetime of Achievement Award, sponsored by The One Point
• Overall Women of Achievement Award, sponsored by Smailes Goldie.
Entries close on August 14.
The celebration event will take place on November 13 at the Mercure Hotel in Willerby.
Tickets, which include a three-course meal, cost £45 for Women in Business members and £55 for non-members.
For more information, visit https://womeninbusinesshull.co.uk/