The First Women Awards took place in London on 12 June and saw gongs handed out to 11 of the UK’s most influential trailblazers. Hackitt received the First Woman in Manufacturing award for “probably doing more to promote manufacturing and the manufacturing industry in the UK than any other woman”.
The judges also described her as “a natural communicator and inspirational speaker”.
Speaking after receiving her award, Ms Hackitt said: “I’m humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious award. Manufacturing is a hugely important industry in Britain — it was part of what made our country great had has a key role in our future prosperity, too.
“Attracting the best of the next generation to the sector — regardless of their gender — is vital. I’d be delighted if my own experience helps inspire other people.”
The awards, held in association with Lloyds Banking Group, are now in their eighth year. Other women honoured on the night included Dawn Elson, the first female head of engineering at Gatwick Airport, Waitrose’s buying director Heather Jenkins, and Joanna Kennedy, global leader of programme and project management at Arup.
To find out more about the awards, visit http://fwa.realbusiness.co.uk
