THE chief executive of film industry quango Screen WM has been named Businesswoman of the Year.
Suzie Norton took home the top prize at the awards which have been running for 28 years and were set up to celebrate future role models among the Midlands businesses industry.
Ms Norton was one of seven finalists who made presentations to a panel of judges after being chosen for “their significant contribution to the financial success and performance of an organisation”.
Screen WM is the regional screen agency for the West Midlands and offers support, advice and funding for film, television and digital media.
Judges recognised Ms Norton’s “considerable personal contribution in raising the profile of Birmingham and the region as a dynamic and growing centre for the digital and creative industries”.
“This combines with her tenacity and success at continuing to attract investment into the region, through unprecedented economic times, representing its creative industries at a national and local Government level,” they added.
Ms Norton has been chief executive of Screen WM since 2007 with a remit to develop the economic, social and cultural wealth of the region.
She was previously director of Film Birmingham, the city’s first film office, after beginning her career as a researcher for GMTV’s Sunday Programme.
The 28th annual awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel and run in aid of national disability charity Vitalise.
The Woman of Courage award was given to former model Katie Piper who made national headlines after her ex-boyfriend arranged for acid to be thrown in her face in March 2008.
The Woman of Achievement Award went to adventure athlete and fundraiser Karen Darke who has been paralysed from the chest down after falling off a cliff aged 21.
