TWO inspirational achievers from Worcestershire were among those celebrated at the seventh Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards.
More than 300 people assembled at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam, Warwickshire, for the glittering ceremony last week, hosted by Kirsty Leahy and Karen Jones.
The evening’s entertainment also included performances by Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School and singers Pippa Langhorne, Colin ‘Sugarfoot Mills’ and Coventry’s Ruth Kelly.
Local winners were Suzanne Virdee from Redditch and Emily Burton from The Valley in Evesham who both received Special Recognition Awards.
Suzanne Virdee is an award-winning TV news anchor and freelance journalist, who has presented the ITV National News, ITV News London, Channel 5 News and BBC Breakfast, as well as reporting for BBC Radio 4.
She’s best known in the Midlands for co-presenting the 6.30pm BBC regional news programme Midlands Today alongside Nick Owen for 11 years.
Over her career she’s also been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism.
Suzanne said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive the Inspirational Woman Award from Ladies First.
“To be recognised by a group of high achieving and downright amazing women really is an honour. When women support other women amazing things happen and I can’t thank them enough for this award.”
In the corporate world, Emily Burton has revolutionised marketing strategies at The Valley, leading to unprecedented success and recognition for the company.
Beyond her professional achievements, Emily is a world champion triathlete for Team GB, having secured multiple world titles.
Her journey is marked by profound personal challenges – bravely battling cancer after enduring the heartbreaking loss of her only brother to the same illness when she was just in her early twenties.
Despite these adversities, Emily found her purpose in competing, channelling her strength and determination into her athletic pursuits.
Emily said: “I’m delighted to receive the Special Recognition Award, it’s a wonderful honour. Moments like these make all the hard work even more rewarding, and I’m grateful for the support from everyone in my corner that has brought me here.”
Visit ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk/2025-winners/ for a full list of winners.
