Our Judges

Head of HR and Payroll | Liebherr GB

Sara has worked within Human Resources for over 20 years for a variety of companies. She joined Liebherr-Great Britain and Ireland as Human Resources Manager some 14 years ago where she set up the HR Department from scratch. Now as Head of HR and Payroll with a team of 5, they support in excess of 400 employees spread out over 9 sales and service centres across the UK and Ireland. Sara feels privileged to be a judge for the fifth year running and is excited to see what the future holds for these outstanding businesses.

Finance Director | Meridian Business Support

Jeanette Barrowcliffe, a qualified accountant who trained with EY, joined Meridian Business Support, one of the UK’s largest independent multi-sector recruitment agencies, in June 1997.  She was appointed as FD in 2003, and was part of the MBO team in 2005 and helped lead a second MBO with the CEO in 2021.

Working closely with the CEO, executive team, operations, and support services, she aids Meridian’s strategic direction and organisation and has been integral in its growth over the years.  In addition, Jeanette directly leads all of the Support Service teams which, alongside supporting the business, have continued to improve the management information and support the governance for the business.  Her teams are motivated, proactive and award-winning.

A highly respected and natural leader with an incredible skill in recognising the opportunities and drivers that shape recruitment in the UK, she understands what success looks like and, more importantly, knows what needs to be done to achieve it.

In 2024, Jeanette was awarded NBWA’s Female Leader of the Year (large £50m+).

In addition to being the FD for Meridian, Jeanette is a judge for a national awards programme. She has previously been a Trustee for Walsingham Support, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, and a director for the REC, the largest trade body for the recruitment sector; both positions were held for the maximum of nine years. She was also a Parent Governor of a Primary School for eight years.

Head of Sales and Advertising | MKFM

Founder | Modern HR Ltd

Mandy Hamerla is an award-winning Leadership Mentor, Author, HR Expert and a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach.

She is incredibly passionate about empowering leaders to foster happy, high-performing teams while navigating tricky employee issues with more confidence and ease.

Mandy founded Modern HR in 2027, offering pay-as-you-go HR support, leadership training and coaching to Founders and SMEs. She has a Level 7 Fellows Certification from CIPD, an MSc in HR Management from London Southbank University, and a BA Hons Degree in Business Studies from Nottingham Trent University.

Visit www.modernhr.co.uk to find out more.

COO | Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding Ltd

Rebecca is COO of Hertfordshire based multi-award winning Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding. Our previous GOLD winner of the coveted title of ‘Southern England Business Woman of the Year’ at The National Business Women’s Awards (Wembley 2020/2021), Rebecca is also a former Hertfordshire Business Person of the Year and has a wealth of experience in start-ups and SMEs, ranging from Professional Beauty and Spa to Construction. Rebecca strives to be an ambassador for business excellence and has extensive judging experience at both national and international business awards.

Managing Director | Care Horizons Ltd

Vierka Valkosak-Hiscock is the dynamic Managing Director and CEO of Care Horizons Ltd, a premier specialist care provider located in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. With over 20 years of experience in patient social care and business administration, Vierka has dedicated her career to transforming the landscape of care through compassion and innovation.

Since joining Care Horizons in 2017, she has driven the organization’s growth and commitment to exceptional service, guided by her Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care and a CMI Level 7 in Business. As a certified coach and mentor, along with being a Licensed Menopause Champion and trainer, Vierka is deeply invested in empowering her franchisees and supporting their journeys towards success.

Vierka’s unwavering belief is that with the right support and guidance, everyone has the potential to thrive and achieve their dreams. Her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence are at the core of Care Horizons’ mission to provide outstanding care and support to those who need it most.

Director | Sookio

Sue Keogh is the Founder of Sookio, a communications consultancy in Cambridge.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a recognised specialist in digital content, Sue has worked closely with institutions including the BBC, ITV, Government Digital Service and the University of Cambridge, and led Sookio as a highly successful digital marketing agency for 16 years.

Communications podcast host, Fellow of the RSA, and Enterprise Nation adviser, Sue draws on her extensive industry and business experience to solve critical communications challenges now, and in the future.

Founder | Neo Walk

Lyndsay Mitcheson is the founder of Neo Walk, the brand transforming mobility aids into stylish, empowering accessories. After losing her leg in 2010, she struggled to find a walking stick that suited her personality—so she designed her own. Now, her vibrant personalised acrylic walking sticks are loved worldwide, even by celebrities like Christina Applegate. Passionate about inclusivity, Lyndsay’s mission is to help people walk with confidence and pride, proving mobility aids can be both functional and fabulous.

Chief Commercial Officer | Aqueous Digital

Emma Guy is Chief Commercial Officer for award-winning digital marketing agency, Aqueous Digital.  She has over 37 years’ experience in managing board members, strategic operations, marketing, advertising, sales management and training. Over the past decade she has built two very successful North West businesses as well a publishing an Amazon No1 best-selling book.

She is currently chair of the Board of Trustees for Halton Haven Hospice in Cheshire and an Ambassador for national charity, Prevent Breast Cancer.

Emma was Business Woman of the Year Gold winner at the 2024 National Business Women’s Awards.

CEO | Corporate Peaks

Holly Hull is an award winning mentor, speaker & dedicated entrepreneur in the field of destination events. Specifically the M.I.C.E industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events).

As the Founder and CEO of Corporate Peaks Group, Holly passionately delivers experiential events worldwide, providing motivation and incentives for businesses across the globe. With a commitment to breaking the Mold, Corporate Peaks, Corporate Peaks DMC & CP Conferencing offers specialist fully hosted events that turn ideas into reality, aligned with the specific business objectives of their clients.

She has a mission to create memories and improve company recognition and retention programmes by helping all attendees be truly present whilst on their event. Her energy and passion for what she does is infectious, and with a client retention rate just shy of 100% it’s clear that making memories is truly her speciality!

Chief Operating Officer | Profile Resourcing

Jason is a Commercial Director and Management Consultant with a background in HR and Talent Management. Having had a wealth of experience over the last 26 years in Blue Chip, SME, Public Sector and Higher Education, Jason is a proud vocal supporter of Inclusion and other initiatives designed to give all the chance of success! Delighted to support several organisations on Organisational Design, Talent, Active Inclusion and People strategies to support growth, and working as a NED, Strategic Advisor and Vice Chair in different sectors.

Founder & CEO | Glowgetter Beauty Entrepreneurs and Signature D Ltd

Dr Diana Richardson is the Glowgetter Mentor.  With more than two decades of profound experience in the beauty, wellbeing and skincare industry, Diana has earned a position in the global market. 

Recognised for her comprehensive knowledge, business acumen, customer service, and team management she shares her expertise through her mentoring, as a best selling author and podcast host.

In her long-standing professional journey, she has won many prestigious awards, global recognitions and continues to rise and shine in her industry. With her tremendous experience, dedication to excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit, Diana continues to lead her vision, passion and purpose as an international icon.

Managing Director, Wild Recruitment, Wild Berry Associates & FRS Board Member | Berry Recruitment Group

With 28 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Michelle Merritt is a dynamic and results-driven leader, serving as Manging Director of Wild Recruitment, Wild Berry Associates, and FRS. Overseeing operations across Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Sussex, and London, she is responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the business.
Following the acquisition by Berry Recruitment Group (BRG), Michelle became a key member of the BRG board, where she plays an integral role in shaping the group’s overall vision and success. Known for her hands-on leadership style, she is deeply passionate about people and dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences to both customers and internal teams.
Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her focus on building strong, customer-centric partnerships and fostering a positive, empowering culture within the organisation. With a drive for innovation and service quality, Michelle continues to lead her teams in achieving outstanding results in the ever-evolving recruitment landscape.