The achievements of women in business across the island have been celebrated at the second annual Elevate You Awards.

More than 140 people attended the ceremony at Woodbourne House in Douglas on Thursday.

Kate Parsons, of RehabLab Physiotherapy, was named Entrepreneur of the Year, while Megan Coulthurst, from Embrace Wigs, received the Solopreneur of the Year award.

Rebecca McNair, of mental health charity Isle Listen, was named Leader of the Year, and Jessica Welch, of Space4Action, received the new Inspirational Woman of the Year award.

Five women were also recognised as highly commended in their respective categories.

They were Bridget Carter, of Bridge to Justice Limited; Dr Karen Wilson, of Mannin Doctors; Hazel Stewart, of Hansard Global; Siobhan Milnes, of the Institute of Directors and Laura Stewart, of Manx Care.

A panel discussion also took place, featuring two of last year’s Elevate You winners, Alicia Woodward, of Capital International, and Catherine Davis, of Rex Physiotherapy Services.

Both women shared their experiences and insights of being women in business with attendees, while Lisa Karran moderated the discussion.

Island entrepreneur Louise Wheeler founded the awards in 2025 after attending similar events in the UK.

Louise is also the founder of Douglas-based professional learning and development company LC Consultancy.

Reflecting on this year’s event, she said: ‘A huge congratulations to our winners on their achievements, as well as all of the shortlisted finalists and nominees.

‘This year’s Elevate You Awards have once again been a great success and it’s been incredible to see the community come together to lift our island’s incredible women up and celebrate everything they have done.’

She added that the awards had received double the number of entries compared with 2025, while demand for tickets had also been strong.

Louise thanked the event’s 2026 headline sponsors, FIM Capital, and everyone involved in bringing the awards ceremony together.