Celebrating Women in Leadership: The Dynamic Duo Behind The Yorkshire Choice Awards

As we honour International Women's Day, we proudly spotlight the extraordinary co-founders of the prestigious Yorkshire Choice Awards: Melanie Malcolm and Joanne Maltby.

Since its inception in 2016, the Yorkshire Choice Awards has become a benchmark for excellence, celebrating the finest individuals and businesses across Yorkshire. This ever-growing platform would not be possible without the vision, dedication, and hard work of two inspiring women who continue to drive its success.

Joanne Maltby: The Digital Advocate for Local Businesses

“The Yorkshire Choice Awards started as a simple idea - to shine a light on those making a real difference in our communities. What it has grown into is beyond anything we imagined. Year after year, we are humbled by the incredible stories of resilience, innovation, and kindness that make Yorkshire so special.”

Jo Maltby is a dedicated advocate for small businesses, digital networking, and community-driven initiatives. Passionate about helping others connect and thrive, she has spent years creating platforms that support local entrepreneurs to put them in the spotlight.

As the founder of Handpicked Local, Jo has transformed the way small businesses reach their audiences. Through her membership service, Local E-Magazine, and #HandpickedNetwork (formerly #wetherbyhour and #harrogatehour), she has built a bridge between online visibility and real-world connections, providing affordable and impactful marketing solutions. Her networking events bring people together, fostering relationships that go beyond business.

Jo’s commitment to community extends beyond entrepreneurship. She has been actively involved in local events, including the Wetherby Christmas Light Switch On and the Wetherby Lions Senior Citizens Party, as well as serving as a Wetherby Town Councillor from 2019 to 2023. Her efforts have earned her multiple accolades, including Wetherby Townsperson of the Year, the Insight with a Passion Award, and the Stray FM Good Neighbour Local Hero Award.

Through her work, Jo continues to champion small businesses, create opportunities, and celebrate the people who make Yorkshire a remarkable place to live and work.

Melanie Malcolm: The Pioneering Spirit

"It is an absolute honour to recognise the incredible achievements of businesses, individuals, and charities across Yorkshire. Seeing the impact these awards have on so many inspiring people is truly heart-warming, and we are proud to be part of a platform that showcases their dedication and success."

Melanie Malcolm is a passionate business owner dedicated to supporting others, helping people connect, and ensuring individuals and businesses receive the recognition they deserve.

With experience across various sectors, Melanie’s adaptability is a key strength. Her background in event management and marketing led to her collaboration with Jo to create the Yorkshire Choice Awards. Her caring nature is at the heart of everything she does, always seeking ways to uplift others.

As the founder of Yorkshire Ladies Links, Melanie has built a supportive network across Yorkshire. She creates opportunities for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another in business and personal growth. Through the organisation’s events, she provides a platform for confidence building, learning, and valuable relationships. Her ability to cultivate a welcoming environment where people feel encouraged and inspired reflects her generous and community-focused spirit.

Melanie is also a respected figure in the residential AV sector. As Operations Director of Bespoke Home Cinemas, she plays a vital role in its success. Her leadership and expertise helped establish the company as a trusted name in the industry. She served an eight-year term on the global board of CEDIA, shaping the sector internationally. Recognised as one of the "40 CE Pro Women to Watch," she continues to drive innovation and progress.

Beyond her career, Melanie is committed to charitable causes. She has raised thousands of pounds for charities, using her platform to make a real difference. Recently appointed director of Together For Cinema CIC, she supports its work with AV companies to create cinema rooms in children’s hospices across the UK, providing moments of joy for families facing difficult circumstances.

The Yorkshire Choice Awards owe its success to the harmonious collaboration between Jo and Melanie. Their shared vision, passionate dedication, and complementary strengths have made the awards a beacon of recognition in Yorkshire. As we celebrate International Women's Day, their stories stand as powerful testaments to the impact of collaboration, community, and commitment.