NCG’s Chief Executive Officer Liz Bromley has been named Business Leader of the Year at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2025, held at Newcastle Civic Centre on Friday 28 November.
The annual awards celebrate truly inspiring women from across the North East’s business community, including those making a difference in their industry, to their colleagues, and to the region.
The Business Leader of the Year category recognises women “with a strong regional profile who demonstrate vision, innovation, entrepreneurial drive, and leadership, while giving back to business and the community.”
Liz’s win reflects her transformational leadership, strategic vision, and cultural impact, as well as NCG’s achievements since she joined as CEO in 2019.
During her tenure, Liz has driven a positive cultural shift across the organisation, uniting seven colleges across the country to work as a collaborative, high-performing college group. It is this shared approach that has driven much of NCG’s recent success and its position as a leading force in further education.
With a focus on improving quality, Liz steered NCG through the pandemic while improving both financial health and Ofsted ratings. Now, NCG has grown to become the country’s largest provider of further education for 16–19-year-olds, and the biggest provider of higher education within FE.
Liz's ambition has also driven major investment into college estates, technology and facilities. Since 2021, NCG has invested millions back into its campuses across the country, with additional investment from successful bids for external grant funding.
This investment has focused on facilities that support economic growth in college communities, such as Newcastle College's Advanced Manufacturing Suite and Kidderminster College’s Green Technology Centre, both of which teach the skills needed in priority sectors in their respective regions.
Liz’s ‘people first’ approach has also shaped NCG’s Leadership Hub, a sector-leading professional development programme that has supported more than 500 NCG colleagues since its launch in 2020.
Following her award win, Liz said: “I’m honoured to receive this recognition among so many inspiring women. This award is not about me; it is recognition of all the hard work of my colleagues right across our seven colleges and professional services who share my commitment to transforming lives through education. It is that shared purpose and passion that continues to drive NCG’s success and I am particularly pleased that education, and the work we do to support communities, individuals and employers, has been recognised by the North East’s business community.”
Ashley Carney, Events and Awards Manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “The judges were impressed by Liz’s clear, steady leadership and the tangible improvements she has delivered across NCG. Her work to strengthen the organisation, invest in its people and raise standards across multiple colleges set her apart. Moreover, Liz’s contribution to further education, and the opportunities it creates for learners and employers, made her a standout choice for Business Leader of the Year.”
The evening also showcased talent from Newcastle College, with Music and Musical Theatre students entertaining guests, and two colleagues from the College shortlisted for awards, further highlighting NCG’s commitment to excellence and community impact.