Nominations open for 2026 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot
Nominations have opened for the 2026 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot, inviting recognition of women leaders in business across the United Kingdom.
The Bold Woman Award, celebrating its 54th year, seeks to honour women who reflect the spirit and achievements of Madame Clicquot. Madame Clicquot, regarded as one of the earliest international businesswomen, took over the operations of her late husband's champagne house at the age of 27 in 1805, an era when women were largely excluded from professional life. Under her leadership, the house grew to become one of the world's most recognised champagne brands, demonstrating significant business acumen and resilience.
Awards categories
This year's awards offer two categories. The Bold Woman Award is open to female founders and leaders from all organisations - private, charity, or not-for-profit - who have led for more than three years. It recognises significant organisational and personal success, alongside inspiring leadership. The Bold Future Award is designed for women who have established organisations less than five years ago, focusing on rising entrepreneurs.
Both awards require that nominees provide clear evidence of positive social, ethical, or environmental impact in their activities. The awards are open only to residents of the United Kingdom whose businesses are also based in the UK, with nominations closing on 26 September 2025. The selection process seeks to continue Veuve Clicquot's tradition of recognising female pioneers and role models.
Legacy of former winners
In previous years, the award has highlighted significant achievements among female leaders. The 2025 Bold Woman Award was awarded to Dame Julia Hoggett DBE, Chief Executive Officer of the London Stock Exchange, for her leadership in financial services and her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. The Bold Future Award was presented to Insiya Jafferjee, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Shellworks, for creating what was described as the world's first sustainable packaging material to address the global plastic waste crisis.
Earlier recipients have included Professor Sarah Gilbert in 2021, recognised for her leadership in the development of the University of Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine, and former Selfridges Chief Executive Anne Pitcher in 2020.
Quotes from organisers and judges
Jean-Marc Gallot, Chief Executive Officer of Veuve Clicquot, reflected on the award's ongoing mission:
"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."
Judge Fiona Hathorn, Chief Executive Officer of WB Directors and Portfolio Non-Executive Director, added her perspective on the significance of the awards in changing perceptions of women's contributions in business:
"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."
Bold Open Database
Veuve Clicquot has also established the Bold Open Database, which offers a platform to bring visibility to women entrepreneurs worldwide. Developed with researcher and entrepreneur Dr Aurélie Jean, the platform provides searchable profiles of female founders across diverse sectors and organisational sizes. It aims to increase the visibility of women entrepreneurs to investors, journalists, and the wider business community, and future award winners will be featured in this database.
The winning nominees for 2026 will be announced at an event in London, marking the culmination of the search for businesswomen who reflect the courage and determination demonstrated by Madame Clicquot over two centuries ago.