Inspired by one of the first international businesswomen, Madame Clicquot, nominations are now open for the 2026 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot.
Now in its 54th year, the prestigious awards are the longest-running international accolades of their kind, continuing a legacy that began over 200 years ago with a woman who dared to defy expectations. In 1805, at just 27 years old, Madame Clicquot took the reins of her husband’s champagne house. At a time where women couldn’t enter most professions, she courageously stepped into the world of business, transforming a little-known champagne house into one of the most iconic producers and brands in the world. Her pioneering spirit lives on in the women honoured by the Bold Woman Awards, who, like Madame Clicquot, lead with conviction and creativity and reshape the world around them.
The 2025 Bold winner, Dame Julia Hoggett DBE, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, was recognised for her leadership and impact as a woman in financial services, alongside her commitment to advancing diversity and inclusivity initiatives in the industry. Other previous winners include, Professor Sarah Gilbert for her leadership in developing the University of Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, and former CEO of Selfridges, Anne Pitcher, in 2020.
The two awards open to nominations are:
- Bold Woman Award —
This award honours women who have achieved significant success within their organisation and in their personal endeavours, while serving as an inspiration to others. It is open to female founders and leaders of all types of organisations, private, charity, and not-for-profit, who have held their roles for more than three years. - Bold Future Award —
Celebrating up and coming entrepreneurs the Bold Future Award is open to female founders of organisations established fewer than five years ago. Recognising the importance of social responsibility in business, nominees in both categories must show clear evidence of positive social, ethical, or environmental impact.
The 2025 winner was Insiya Jafferjee, CEO and co-founder of Shellworks who was honoured for creating the world’s first sustainable packaging material with the aim of tackling the plastic waste crisis.
Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot, commented: “For over fifty years, the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot has celebrated extraordinary businesswomen. It honours those that boldly reinvent tradition, dare to innovate, champion female leadership, and uphold the highest ethical standards. Every year, the talent and passion of the candidates blow us away. We are searching for inspiring women who capture Madame Clicquot’s fearless spirit, so if you, or someone you know, is daring to break the glass ceiling, submit a nomination today.”
Fiona Hathorn, CEO of WB Directors and Portfolio NED, and Bold Award judge added: “For too long, we were taught a version of history that credited progress almost entirely to men, but through the incredible work of the Bold Awards we are changing this. Daring, determined women are making their mark in business, in boardrooms and in history.
“The Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot celebrates the work being done by these courageous women while inspiring the next generation.”
The call for nominations for the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award and Bold Future Award by Veuve Clicquot acts as the starting point in the search for the best female business talent in the UK. The deadline to enter is the 26th September and two exceptional women will be revealed as the winners at a prestigious event in London in 2026.
To nominate a candidate for the award, click here.
Veuve Clicquot’s Bold Open Database is the first global, open database aimed to bring together female entrepreneurs worldwide. Developed with a scientific, economic, and social approach, it brings visibility to a previously unseen group and provides valuable data on female founders and their businesses for investors, journalists, and fellow entrepreneurs. Future winners of the awards will be featured in the database, but the platform is open to everyone.
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