Congratulations! A Harpenden businesswoman has won a prestigious national award recognising her hard work.

Kate Cherry has won the "Best Networking Group" award on behalf of The Athena Network Bedfordshire & St Albans, at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2024.

Kate was shocked to be named the winner.Kate was shocked to be named the winner. (Image: Kate Cherry) Kate "could not believe it" when her name was read out at the ceremony.

She said: "I’m so proud to win this award and to be recognised alongside so many other brilliant businesswomen in their categories, and among my amazing fellow finalists, they all deserve to be recognised.

"I love creating a nurturing and productive environment for women in business to grow themselves and their businesses, whatever their profession or industry."

The businesswoman dedicated her award to the members of her family that supported her throughout her career especially since leaving her “commuter mum” world 10 years ago.

The Athena Network is a business networking and development community for female business owners and professionals, providing monthly networking and training resources.

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Kate posed for a picture with her award.Kate posed for a picture with her award. (Image: Kate Cherry) The event - held at the Hilton Syon Park - is judged by a panel of business experts hoping to recognise the achievements of female-owned businesses and charities.

Debbie Gilbert, organiser of the ceremony, said: "This is the 10th year of the awards, and we have recognised over 1,000 women since we launched in 2015 across a huge range of industry sectors.

"The selection process is rigorous and to be one of our winners is a major achievement. The judges make their selections based on business expertise, innovation, and high levels of customer care.

"Our winners are shining examples of outstanding entrepreneurs who have proved their success to our judges and have shown they have the results worthy of being recognised and rewarded.”

Kate on stage with her award.Kate on stage with her award. (Image: Kate Cherry) The judges suggested Kate had done a "fantastic job" of making her regions "thrive".

They added: "Her focus on guiding, supporting and building confidence in members is impressive. The retention statistics demonstrate how much her members value her groups and expertise.

"She runs excellent networking groups, both in the virtual space and via face-to-face meetups which are well organised, with solid planning and preparation, and clear vision for the future.

"Her entry demonstrated she was a worthy winner of the networking crown."