Now in its ninth year, the Rising Star Awards are the first to focus on the UK’s female talent pipeline below management level. Our strategic goal, set in 2015, aims to showcase 1,000 outstanding women by 2025. By highlighting the accolades of these women, WeAreTheCity are not only promoting the amazing female talent that exists across the UK, but actively encouraging organisations and business leaders to invest in and recognise these women as leaders of tomorrow and individual contributors to their respective industries.
These awards will recognise and celebrate a further 100 female individual contributors from over 20 different industries that represent the leaders and role models of tomorrow. These winners will join our award’s alumni of 850 previous winners, across the UK and India.
We are now once again inviting you to nominate an amazing woman, champion, man or company. The nominations process for all categories, our Rising Star Champions, Global Award for Achievement, Company of the Year and Men for Gender Balance Awards open on 16 January 2023.
For details of the criteria to enter the awards, visit here.
Nominations will open online on 16 January. You will be able to access the nomination platform via the Rising Stars’ website. Nominations will close after a eight week period on 15 March.
A shortlist of ten women from each industry category and ten from the Champion, Global Award for Achievement and Men for Gender Balance categories, alongside three shortlisted companies for the Company of the Year award, will be chosen by an esteemed panel of judges. Once the shortlist is announced, we will also open the public votes of support, which enables individuals to show their support for a specific shortlisted individual.
All winners will be announced on 22 May and will be invited to celebrate at a prestigious award’s ceremony in July 2023.

Our Champion award recognises the achievements of five senior individuals, male or female, who are actively supporting the female pipeline outside of their day job. Nominations for this award are individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to gender, eg HeForShe supporters, Network Leaders, Directors, MD’s or C-Suite individuals who are championing women either inside or outside their organisations.
Our Men for Gender Balance award recognises the achievements of five senior men who are championing women and gender balance either inside or outside their organisation. Nominees must be at least Director level (or equivalent) or above, must demonstrate that they have actively supported the female pipeline either through their current work role or external activities and must be working in the UK.
The Company of the Year award recognises the achievements of a company who can clearly demonstrate that they are actively supporting its female talent pipeline through their initiatives, training, development programmes and internal employee relations and diversity network groups.
The Global Award for Achievement category expands our search for global talent. This category is a female individual who works within any industry, outside of the UK, whose current position is below director level.
Have you ever looked at WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star awards and thought about entering? Have you ever seen the winners announced and thought, next year I am going to enter those awards!
Well before you pen your nomination, you might want to join us behind the scenes for this awards nomination tips and tricks, session with founder and serial awards judge, Vanessa Vallely OBE.
During this session Vanessa explains:
Nominations open
16 January 2023
Nominations close
15 March 2023
Shortlist announced
09 May 2023
Public vote opens
09 May 2023
Voting closes
16 May 2023
Shortlist celebration
TBC May 2023
Winners announced
22 May 2023
Awards Ceremony
TBC July 2023

December
13dec10:0017:00Pop-Ups for Women Entrepreneurs
13/12/2025 10:00 - 17:00(GMT+00:00)
The Wellness Centre Croydon
The Whitgift shopping centre, #1st Croydon, CR0 1LP
Support Local. Empower Women. Discover Something New. Join us for an inspiring pop-up event celebrating women entrepreneurs! Support Local. Empower Women. Discover Something New. Join us for an
Support Local. Empower Women. Discover Something New.
Join us for an inspiring pop-up event celebrating women entrepreneurs and their incredible businesses! From handmade goods and fashion to skincare, art, wellness products, and more—this event is all about community, creativity, and connection.
Meet the amazing women behind your favorite local brands, enjoy one-of-a-kind finds, and support small businesses that make a big impact. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or grabbing gifts for others, your support helps fuel dreams and build a more inclusive economy.
What to Expect:
Let’s show up, shop small, and lift each other up.
Every purchase you make is a powerful act of support.
RSVP now—let’s make this a celebration to remember!
We advertise events hosted by external organisers. dates, times, speakers and venues may change. events may be postponed or cancelled. always confirm details with the organiser before making plans. tickets, payments and refunds are the organiser’s responsibility. WeAreTheCity does not accept liability for any loss arising from changes or cancellations.
