Former TV and newspaper journalist Beverley Steele, celebrated for her tenure at the Manchester Evening News and for producing and presenting Channel M News, has been honoured with the prestigious 'Female of The Year 2023' Cheshire Business Award (pictured 2nd from left with Awards founder Joanna Scott Aspray 4th from left)
The accolade was given at a special awards ceremony held on Friday, November 17, at Cheshire’s Cranage Hall and celebrated her ambition and drive to start a business despite setbacks.
Beverley, originally from Chorlton in Manchester, made a remarkable transition in her career after overcoming a challenging health scare —a brain hemorrhage in 2018 while she was also Head of Communications at Cheshire East Council.
Fuelled by a desire to authentically express herself and pursue her own vision of success, she decided to embark on an entrepreneurial journey once she recovered.
In October 2021, she founded Steele Public Relations Limited, an agency that specialises in the public sector, social enterprises and universities.
Reflecting on her decision to start her own public relations agency, Beverley said: "I was suffering burnout after years of juggling too much as a parent and a life-long learner. I had my own creative ideas and wanted to express them but I could never find the time to properly pursue them.
"I am incredibly grateful to be alive, never mind win an award and my heartfelt thanks go to my family for supporting me and of course The Cheshire Club for supporting my swift growth.
"My health issues were a wakeup call - not to put off my dreams any longer."
Today, she leads a dynamic team of eight consultants, collectively steering the agency towards success in just two years and hopes to double growth over the next 24 months.
The firm offers sophisticated build branding strategies with combinations of promotional video, social media, media outreach, events, websites, mobile apps, podcast production and self-publishing. Beverley hopes to grow the recruitment and networking side of the business over the next 2 years.
Her passion for video production follows on from many 'happy' and 'exciting' years working as a TV news reporter, anchor and news programme producer for Channel M TV, formerly part of the Manchester Evening News. The TV station was launched on Sky before closing in 2009 following recession.
Beverley went on to Cheshire East Council as a Media Relations Officer on a temporary three-month contract, took maternity leave, and on returning was recognised for her enthusiasm and talents and was offered the Head of Communications role.
Beverley first trained as a newspaper Journalist for the West Sussex County Times in 1998. She joined Channel M in 2000 and quickly rose through the ranks to become news presenter and news programme producer alongside BBC's Andy Crane.
In 2019, after leaving Cheshire East Council, she started freelancing with the London agency Westco at Westminster before starting her own business.
Choosing to embrace a flexible work environment, Beverley describes herself as a 'digital nomad' without a fixed office. Her team shares this sentiment, valuing the freedom and balance it brings to their professional lives.
She added: "I spent decades working in offices and often taking very few breaks. The impact of this was that I developed a serious vitamin D deficiency which led to further health issues, including burnout and a brain hemorrhage.
"Once I made a remarkable full recovery, I made my mind up that I was going to put my health first and start a business so that I could work on things I like doing and at my own pace," she explained.
"When I first started to get interested in journalism, as a young girl delivering newspapers for our family news agency business, I would spend many an hour reading the red tops against garden gates in the outdoors," she laughs. "I like stories."
In addition to her flourishing PR agency, Beverley recently launched her own Podcast show, 'PR Matters - The Public Relations Podcast,' showcasing her passion for the industry, and is available on Apple and Spotify.
She is also a regional judge for this year's Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards 2023.
Upon receiving the 'Female of The Year' award, Beverley added: "I love running my own business, and to win an award for doing this is just incredible. To win ‘Female of The Year’ is overwhelming, as I really did not expect this particular award but I'm over the moon.
"I think perhaps I’ve shown that once you alter your mindset and believe in yourself and you put your own personal needs first and be your authentic self, anything is possible.
"Being happy in what you do brings out your true, authentic talents and I am so excited for what the future holds at Steele Public Relations.
"The Creme De La Creme Cheshire Business Awards are so important for businesses like mine as they give start-ups so much support and kudos."
A full list of the winners of the Crème de la Crème Small Business Awards 2023 organised by The Cheshire Club are -
Outstanding Entrepreneur Award 2023 sponsored by Rodial Beauty
Amy Linton - Glossy Interiors
Family Business of the Year 2023
Nicola & Stephen Sands - Applehead Media Ltd.
Small Business of the Year 2023 by Flossy the VW Vintage Camper
Laura Grannell - Stagecoach Performing Arts (Nantwich)
Highly Commended
Catherine Sandland - White Hart Training
Charity of the Year 2023 sponsored by Aqueous Digital
Rachael Borman - AmaSing Arts Charity Foundation
Female of the Year 2023 sponsored by Applehead Media Ltd
Beverley Steele - Steele PR Ltd said
Male of the Year 2023 sponsored by Rockstar Spirits
Marcus Matthews - Make your Life Count
Best Business Start-Up 2023 (2 years) sponsored by Aga Mortlock Photography
Teana Lynne & Andy Shelton - The Naughty Badger Bistro
Highly Commended
Pam Shanker - Pam Shanker Coaching and founder of “The Universe Café (Law of Attraction)
Best Customer Service 2023
Catherine Hayden - CEO of Heavenly Homes Cleaning
Community Champion 2023. Sponsored by Pam Shanker Coaching
Sarah E Pickles - The Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards
Outstanding Self Development & Business Growth 2023 sponsored by Steel PR Ltd
Alison Blackler - 2minds
Rising Star of the Year Award 2023 sponsored by Heavenly Homes Cleaning
Naomi Victoria - Personally Positive
Joanna’s Award - Most Outstanding Achievement Award 2023
Sponsored by The Cheshire Club - Sue France
Audience’s Choice - Most Outstanding & Inspiring Person Award 2023
Lara Besbrode
Overall Excellence Winner Award presented by Silk 106.9 FM Radio
Rachael Borman - AmaSing Arts Charity Foundation
Joanna Scott-Aspray CEO of The Cheshire Club, said: "I’m so proud to announce this year’s winners. The nominations, finalists and voting this year was far higher than last year.
"The Cheshire Club sets out to champion and mentor businesses to help them grow their visibility and I’m proud to say the awards are a small part of what we do to help businesses grow, be successful and gain powerful introductions.
"I would personally like to thank everyone for their support especially our amazing sponsors without whom the event would not be possible."
For media inquiries, please contact Beverley Walkden at
steelepublicrelations@outlook.com
