Why our judges got involved with #WRA23

Richard Rowntree, Paragon Bank

We need to continue to attract, retain and develop talent in our industry. It's important to recognise the success of unrepresented talent and remove barriers to help more people reach their potential.

Nicola Goldie, Virgin Money

It's so important to recognise and showcase the talent in our Industry, I am a firm believer in creating a more diverse financial services industry and these awards serve to amplify the contribution that women make and are inspiring to others to show how they too could achieve this - you have to see it to be it!

Stephanie Hydon, iPipeline

It is everyone's duty to support these initiatives that make our industry more representative and most importantly more relevant to the society that we serve. This event gives us the opportunity to acknowledge our progress, celebrate our change makers and bring together the very best of those that are driving our industry's future.

Suzy Allen, The Mortgage Broker Ltd

I am honoured to be involved in the judging process this year, after being on the other side of the process in 2022 - an opportunity that could not be refused! I feel it is so important to celebrate the achievements of women in finance given how it is still very much a male-dominated industry.

Jeremy Duncombe, Accord Mortgages

Equity is vital in the mortgage industry, and recognising the achievement of women in our sector is a powerful and visible way of creating equity. As co-sponsor of the Women's Network in Yorkshire Building Society, this is a really important topic for me, and I'm privileged to be part of the judging panel.

Rachel East, Key Group

It is an absolute honour to judge this year’s awards as I am incredibly passionate about showcasing the fantastic achievements of women in financial services. Being in the industry my whole career I have seen the journey we’ve been on to be recognised for our full contribution to the success of the industry. I cannot wait to read all the applications and see first-hand these examples of excellence.

Emma Roberts, Connect Mortgages

I have loved being part of the Women's Recognition Awards over the past few years and last year I felt blessed to win one myself. I am delighted to now be part of the judging process and to being involved in recognising some of the amazing female talent that we have in our industry.

Eloise Hall, Kensington Mortgages

I am honoured to have been asked to support in the judging of this year’s Women's Recognition Awards and to celebrate the fabulous achievements of women within our industry!

Katie White, Attivo

I wanted to be involved in judging this competition in order to be a positive advocate for women, and to bring recognition of their excellence in this highly rewarding career.

Lauren Fuller, NatWest

As a trained #IAmRemarkable facilitator I tell all my workshop participants that "it's not bragging if it's based on facts" and so to live by that rule have challenged myself to ensure I smash the taboo around self-promotion. Daily I am encouraging women around me to put themselves forward and I am honoured to be able to be part of a team judging other incredible women outside my network to smash that imposter syndrome and f*** being humble!

Paula Mercer, LendInvest

I was delighted to be asked to be a judge and get involved. I have loved the Women’s Recognition Awards since its inception and always feel inspired celebrating the successes of others. The aim of the awards are to support a growing momentum for a more diverse and equal financial services community, it is therefore an honour to be part of this. Having won awards previously, I know how wonderful it feels to be recognised and I am still proud to this day of all three of my awards.

Cerys Williams, Sero

Winning at last year's awards meant the world to me - I would love to pay it forward and share the joy with another inspiring woman.

Lottie Clayton, Gatehouse Bank

I am pleased to be able to get involved on the panel as a judge. Having worked in numerous financial roles, I have a unusual skill set that enables me to be an all-rounder and I can share insights into not only my own organisation, but with external customers, allowing me to further support them. These insights are generated from the knowledge and experience that I have gained throughout my entire career.

Helen Carter, Barclays

I have recently read a report by McKinsey & Company, and discovered that, for every 10% increase in gender diversity, earnings before interest and taxes rose by a glaring 3.5%. From this, it is understood that women leaders have a key measurable impact on an organisation’s bottom line. Therefore, by supporting the Women’s Recognition Awards and shining a light on the great work that women are doing in the intermediary industry, we are not just uplifting women, but supporting the progress of the intermediary industry as a whole and I am very proud to be asked to be involved.

Jonathan Stinton, Coventry for Intermediaries

I am privileged to be part of this process, recognising amazing female talent in financial services.

Rob Barnard, Pepper Money

I am delighted to be a judge for the Women’s Recognition Awards, an awards ceremony that shines a light on the fantastic work women are delivering in our industry whilst supporting the momentum of continuing to make the financial services industry an inclusive one. Pepper Money are committed to shining a light on this conversation with our own diversity, equity and inclusion committee.

Ranila Ravi-Burslem, Lloyds Banking Group

As someone who is involved in promoting a more inclusive industry, I’m delighted to support the awards by being a judge - this is a topic I am very passionate about.

Shrena Patel, Octane Capital

I’m a big advocate for women in business and especially women in finance: to be part of such an event and be able to judge on a panel with so many powerful women is an honour.

Joela Jenvey, Landbay

I'm delighted to have been invited to judge at this year's Women’s Recognition Awards. It's so important to champion female talent in finance, and nurture those embodying the progression of equality in our industry. It's an honour to be part of celebrating the incredible achievements of the nominees this year.

Kathryn Knowles, Cura Financial Services

I am taking part as I think supporting and uplifting women within business is a key part of improving financial services. As a previous winner it is lovely to be able to give back to these awards.

Tiba Raja, MFS

Throughout my career, I have worked to highlight the importance of quality and diversity within financial services and beyond. As one of the few female directors in the industry, I’m proud of the fact that I have built a company where nearly half of the staff are women, and the large majority of management roles are filled by women.

Niki Cooke, Protection Guru

There are so many amazing women in the industry doing incredible things every day. This is a real chance to take a step back, reflect and share the truly amazing changes that women are making.

Karen Rodrigues, industry professional

Having worked in the industry for over 20 years now I am delighted to have been asked to judge: for me it’s great to see all the talented individuals we have in the sector which is growing now year on year.

Elise Coole, Keystone Property Finance

It’s so important to celebrate the successes within our industry especially those who inspire, support and encourage change.