Nicki Robson, managing director at Ashby-based HR consultancy Breedon Consulting has been named 'Businesswoman of the Year' at the Niche Magazine Business Awards.

The seventh annual black-tie event, which took place 24th September at Athena in Leicester, welcomed 550 guests to celebrate the best of the region's business success in the previous 12 months.

Breedon Consulting specialises in HR consultancy services, offering small to medium sized businesses a personable HR management and training function.

The business prides itself on being an honest and professional extension to a team.

Nicki commented: "I was overjoyed to win this award and it came as a complete surprise to me on the night.

"I feel as though the award is a testament to our entire team – everyone has worked so incredibly hard during such a turbulent and busy time; I am very grateful."

At the awards, Nicki was up against two other shortlisted finalists for the Businesswoman of the Year accolade, which showcased the contribution of women across various industries.

The judging panel was made up of senior professionals from local businesses in the region and the comments for selecting Nicki as the winner of the category included:

'Nicki has been able to demonstrate outstanding performance in key areas ranging from the financials of her company, performance during Covid and her franchising her operation.

'This is Businesswoman stuff and I suspect that she is on the start of what looks like a very interesting journey ahead.'

The criteria for the award were categorised into four key areas, including financial performance, personal qualities, managerial skills, and contribution to Leicestershire's development.

Nicki has been at the helm of Breedon Consulting since day one, when the business was founded in

Her support has been considered invaluable across many SME businesses – showcasing her passion and extensive expertise for managing people and training managers.

Jenny Cross, CEO of Cross Productions, which organises the Niche Business Awards, said: "Businesswoman of the Year is one of the most respected awards of the evening.

"Previously won by former East Midlands Chamber President Eileen Richards MBE as well as Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE who has been named one of the top ten women in tech in the UK, it's a particularly strong category with some serious businesswomen recognised over the years."

All ticket sale money from the evening was donated to the Charity of the Year winner: Shama Women's Centre, who empower women to become more active, economically, educationally and socially, through a range of activities to develop their confidence, employability skills, health and wellbeing.