Manchester Science Park boss wins Inspiring Women award

THE chief executive of Manchester Science Park has scooped the ‘business’ category of the Inspiring Women Awards 2010.

Jane Davies has been at the helm of the venue for the past 10 years and remains the only woman to run a business park in Britain.

The awards – sponsored by Britannia and The Co-operative Bank, both part of the Co-operative Financial Services Group – aim to recognise those North West-based women who are at the forefront of business and leadership.

The winner of the public sector category was Dominique Whittington, a project manager at Manchester City Council, who was praised by the judges for her “outstanding contribution” to many high profile Manchester organisations.

The winner of the ‘social entrepreneur’ title was Terrie Johnson from the Wirral who has revolutionised snacking habits by establishing healthy tuck shops in schools and offices and creating jobs by franchising the concept of ‘Fruit to Suit’ around the country.
 
Irene Brown scooped the ‘community’ award after demonstrating “true human kindness” to others and helping the homeless and marginalised on the streets of Manchester.

The winner of the ‘young woman’ award was 18-year-old Fajer Rabia who has set up women-only learning courses in her community and has gone on to establish multi-cultural learning and resource centres, prison mentoring projects and ‘Inspired Sisters’, which helps disadvantaged and marginalized men and women.

Founder and award organiser, Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy, said: “For the past 18 years I have been reading the stories about the most amazing women imaginable and think each year that these achievements can’t be matched…but they are, and in greater numbers. 

“The addition of the Inspiring Young Woman Award has shown what exceptional talent there is amongst our young women and the Inspiring Young Women Foundation looks to support these women in the future. 

“I hope that by recognising all these women through the Inspiring Women Awards, we play some small part in encouraging others.”