The North Tyneside Business Forum is celebrating the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs this International Women’s Day, following a landmark year at the 2025 North Tyneside Business Awards.
In a powerful reflection of the strength of women in the local economy, five of the six main award categories were won by female-led businesses — highlighting the innovation, resilience and leadership shaping North Tyneside’s business community.
Among the winners, Amy Bewick of Nusa Studio took home the New Business Award, recognising her success in launching and growing a thriving new venture. Tara Warren of BASH Academy received the Heart of the Business Award for her commitment to empowering others through skills and education. Kerry Quinn of KORE+ was named Retail & Service Provider Award winner, while Steffi Smith of The Chocolate Smiths secured both The Green Award and the overall Business of the Year 2025 title. Cheryl Tanner, Menopause Coach, was honoured with the Heart of the Community Award for her impact supporting women’s health and well-being. These accolades reflect not only commercial growth, but dedication to sustainability, community impact, confidence-building and innovation.
Cheryl Tanner said:
“International Women’s Day is incredibly important to me, both personally and professionally. My business is dedicated to supporting women — particularly through menopause — to feel strong, confident and empowered in their bodies and minds.
I see every day how transformative it is when women prioritise their health, build physical strength, and realise what they’re truly capable of.
For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating resilience, progression, and the power of women supporting women.”
Amy Bewick added:
“Since opening my studio, the biggest thing I’ve noticed is just how supportive other women in business have been. It’s been incredible to see women genuinely championing other women. International Women’s Day is a reminder of how powerful that support network is and how much stronger we are when we lift each other up.”
Kerry Quinn said:
“Winning the Retail & Service Provider Award 2025 was a proud milestone for KORE+. It represents not just business growth, but the strength of a community built on excellence, resilience and innovation. International Women’s Day reminds us that when women lead with vision, businesses thrive.”
Tara Warren reflected:
“International Women’s Day is important to me because my business exists to help women build confidence, independence and financial freedom through skills and education. As a founder and a mum, I know how powerful it is when women feel capable of creating their own opportunities and shaping their lives on their own terms.”
Steffi Smith said:
“International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on all the inspirational women we look up to. This is a reminder that we are setting an example for future generations and paving the way for ambitious little girls, showing them that anything is possible. Work-life balance will always remain a top priority here.”
Angela Tuplin, Chair of the North Tyneside Business Forum, said:
“Not taking anything away from the Technology winner durhamlane, we are incredibly proud that five of our six award categories were won by female-led businesses. It speaks volumes about the strength, talent and ambition of women in our local economy.
International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate not only individual success, but the culture of collaboration and support that exists within North Tyneside’s business community. When women thrive in business, the whole region benefits.”
The North Tyneside Business Forum is run by a management group made up of members from various industry sectors in the Borough and gives support in the form of networking, events and signposting for growth and development. Membership is free and open to any business of any size with a trading address within North Tyneside. The Business Forum is supported by, but not run by North Tyneside Council.
The Forum is FREE to join and is for any business with a trading address in North Tyneside.
E: business.forum@northtyneside.gov.uk www.northtynesidebusinessforum.org.uk
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Photo1: Amy Cheryl Steffi Kerry Tara (in line) Highlights PR
Photo2: Next to statue of Mary Ann Macham, an escaped enslaved woman who made a new life in North Shields. L to R Cheryl, Steffi, Kerry, Tara and Amy (Highlights PR)