The Wigan Business Expo community is celebrating after two women connected through this year’s event as sponsors and speakers were named as finalists in the Enterprise Vision Awards.
The Enterprise Vision Awards, also known as the EVAs, celebrate women in business from across the UK. They recognise achievement, resilience, leadership and impact across many sectors.
This year, Kathryn Pearson from JGP Consultancy and Sue Johnson from Intersect Cyber and IT have both been shortlisted.
As a result, their recognition marks another proud moment for the wider Launch North West business community.
Expo Sponsor Shortlisted for Driven Leader
Kathryn Pearson from JGP Consultancy has been shortlisted for the Driven Leader award.
Kathryn was a sponsor of Wigan Business Expo.
She also delivered a session at this year’s event, sharing her expertise around tendering, procurement and strategic growth.
Through JGP Consultancy, Kathryn supports businesses to access new opportunities.
She helps them understand, prepare for and succeed with tendering and procurement.
As a result, her work gives business owners more confidence when competing for contracts and planning for growth.
Expo Speaker Shortlisted for Best Business
Sue Johnson from Intersect Cyber and IT has been shortlisted in the Best Business category.
Sue was a speaker at Wigan Business Expo 2026. During her session, she shared practical advice around cyber awareness, business resilience and protecting organisations from risk.
She has also become a valued part of the wider Launch North West community since being named a Wigan Business Awards finalist in 2025.
Since then, Sue has sponsored the Winners Networking event and recently sponsored the Welcome Drinks for this year’s Wigan Business Awards.
A Proud Moment for Wigan Business Expo
Wigan Business Expo is organised by Launch NW.
It brings together exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and visitors from across Wigan and the wider North West.
The event creates opportunities for businesses to connect, learn, raise their profile and build stronger relationships.
Therefore, seeing women who have contributed to the Expo recognised nationally is something to celebrate.
Nichola Howard, Managing Director of Launch North West, said:
“To see Kathryn and Sue named as EVA finalists is brilliant. They both contributed to Wigan Business Expo this year, not just by turning up, but by sharing their knowledge and helping other businesses take something useful away from the day.
“That is exactly what we want the Expo to be about. We’re developing a platform where people can connect, learn, collaborate and open up new opportunities.”
Celebrating Women Who Share Their Expertise
The recognition also highlights the impact women in business are making across different sectors.
Kathryn and Sue work in very different areas. However, both use their expertise to support other businesses.
Whether through procurement, tendering, cyber security or resilience, their work helps business owners make better decisions. It also helps them move forward with more confidence.
Nichola added:
“When women put themselves forward, share their expertise and get recognised for the work they are doing, it has a ripple effect.
“It shows other people what is possible. It also reminds us why platforms like Wigan Business Expo are so important. They give businesses a place to build relationships, share knowledge and step into bigger opportunities.”
The news comes during an exciting week for Launch North West, organisers of Wigan Business Expo, who have also been named as finalists in the Family Business category at this year’s Enterprise Vision Awards.
Everyone at Wigan Business Expo would like to congratulate Kathryn, Sue and all the other EVA finalists.
Everyone at Wigan Business Expo would like to congratulate Kathryn, Sue and all the other EVA finalists.
It is brilliant to see women who have shared their knowledge through the Expo now being recognised on a national stage.
