A partner at a Derby law firm has been named the most inspirational female leader in the East Midlands.
Claire Twells, who heads up the debt recovery team and business development department at Smith Partnership, which is headquartered in Friar Gate, was crowned overall winner at the East Midlands Women’s Awards, organised by Women in Management UK.
She was also named top female executive of the year at the same event.
The acclaim tops off a memorable summer for Claire who was instrumental in one of Smith Partnership’s biggest ever contracts to become the preferred legal partner for the new Nightingale Quarter housing development in Derby.
The awards citation said that Claire had “become one of the faces of Derby, leading the support of business and charities in the city, while also being a key player at Smith Partnership and a new mum!”.
On top of this, she masterminded the design and move to the company’s new offices at Norman House.
In 2017, she helped form Derby’s Finest - a group which aims to inspire, celebrate and support women across the county in their professional lives across the private, public or voluntary sectors.
She has also led the way for Smith Partnership’s charitable efforts and link-ups with organisations such as Derby County Community Trust. She is also on the board of Derby County Ladies football team.
Her standing in the business community has seen her recently taken on to the Local Enterprise Partnership’s business growth committee alongside a position on Derby Renaissance Board.
Claire said: “I am overwhelmed by the award, particularly as there were so many inspirational women at the ceremony.
“I am pleased that I have been recognised but I could not have achieved so much had it not been for the support of both my wonderful colleagues at Smith Partnership and the love of my fantastic family.”
