We’re proud to welcome Ellie Palma-Cass from EPiC Hope CIC as a sponsor for the 2026 Wigan Business Awards.
This year, Ellie is backing our brand-new category, Wigan’s Businesswoman of the Year.
This category was created to shine a light on the women across our borough who are building businesses and creating opportunities. It celebrates those making a real difference.
It feels especially fitting to have Ellie involved in launching this new category.
In 2025, she received a Special Recognition Award. Now, she is returning to the campaign in a new role, championing other women doing amazing things in business.
A New Category with Real Meaning
We introduced Wigan’s Businesswoman of the Year for 2026 because we wanted to create a space to properly recognise the women leading from the front across Wigan and Leigh.
These are the women running businesses, employing people, and supporting families. They back their communities and show up every day with strength and determination.
Ellie Palma-Cass said:
“Winning Special Recognition last year meant so much to me, so coming back as a sponsor feels really special. I wanted to support a category that celebrates the strength, courage, and determination of women in business across Wigan. There are so many brilliant women out there doing amazing things, and they deserve to be recognised.”
Championing Women Who Lift Others Up
This new category is about celebrating impact, resilience, and the role women play in shaping the future of our local economy.
Some have run their businesses for many years.
Others will still be building their confidence.
All of them will have a story worth telling.
Having Ellie behind this category brings even more heart to it. Her work centres on compassion, strength, and helping people find hope, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Nichola Howard, co-organiser of the Wigan Business Awards, added:
“It’s brilliant to have Ellie on board as a sponsor this year, especially for a brand-new category that means so much to us as Women. She brings real heart to everything she does, and after receiving Special Recognition in 2025, it feels like such a natural next step for her to now champion other women. We’re really proud to have Ellie supporting this launch.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Wigan Business Awards 2026 campaign is already shaping up to be something special, and this new category is a big part of that.
We can’t wait to see the women who step forward, share their stories, and remind us all what strong, values-led business really looks like.
Get Involved
Sponsorships for the Wigan Business Awards 2026 are now on sale.
Put your brand in front of a large, engaged local audience and support a campaign that celebrates the very best of Wigan and Leigh. Get involved now.
For more information, download our sponsor pack by visiting our dedicated sponsor page HERE.
