With our 2025 awards ceremony approaching fast, we are speaking to last year’s winners in reflection of their wins and the feeling of being in the room.
The Great British Businesswoman Awards celebrated the achievements of inspiring women who are shaping industries, communities, and futures.
Among them was a winner who walked away with the Young Businesswoman of the Year award—a recognition that not only affirmed her work but marked a transformative moment in her career and life.
Meet Laura Abraham, Founder of The Grown-Up School..
What did the awards evening mean to you personally?
Winning the award was such a surprise and even now feels like the biggest compliment I've ever received, it feels like such a powerful validation of my work to influence the education system and better prepare young people for adult life.
What made the evening even more special was bringing my mum to London with me. She's my biggest cheerleader and raised me as a single parent after my dad passed away unexpectedly when I was ten, and seeing how proud she was, being able to experience the awards together, meant absolutely everything to me. We cried a lot! It was one of the best experiences of my life.
How has this recognition impacted your outlook?
Winning Young Businesswoman of the Year has completely changed my outlook! - The business no longer feels like a scrappy start-up doing its best to make a difference, it feels like the business has grown legs with an entire community of incredible businesswomen behind us, cheering us on.
It’s given me an overwhelming sense of pride, not just in what I’ve achieved, but in how I can now use this recognition to inspire my students and create more opportunities for them. It’s also given me a new level of confidence to reach for bigger opportunities for my business—opportunities I previously worried might be too soon to pursue.
Any memorable moments from the evening that stood out?
Dani Wallace gave a shout out to my students from Lewis Girls' School, who created my fibre optic ballgown to wear for the awards! Everyone was so excited to hear that GCSE students had created it, and it was the most heartwarming thing.
Winning aside, the entire event was so supportive and warm, everyone cheering each other on, inspiring one another. I absolutely loved that they took the time to share stories of the unbelievable women in the room, and left completely in awe of the company I was sharing!
A New Chapter
The Great British Businesswoman Awards marked not just the end of an evening but the start of a new chapter.
For this young businesswoman, the recognition served as a launchpad for greater ambitions and a renewed sense of purpose.
For those considering attending the GBBW Awards 2025, her story serves as a reminder of the life-changing power of celebrating achievements, no matter how early or modest they may seem. Sometimes, all it takes is one evening to shift an entire outlook, unlock boundless potential, and spark a legacy of inspiration.
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Contact Chris Broadbent for more information on 07958 453951 or at chris@grcworldforums.com