A CEO of a growing St Helens electrical engineering firm was shortlisted for a prestigious award that champions businesses making a real difference across the North.
Elevate, a business development consultancy founded in 2020, held its second Northern 'Gamechangers' awards ceremony last month, in which Mara Rastall was one of the 50 individuals and businesses nominated for an award.
Mara, from Moore in Cheshire, was appointed as CEO of St Helens' Enspec Power in February, which is a family run business specialising in renewable energy consultancy and electrical enegineering.
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Joining the St Helens-based business as the only woman in 2021, Mara has been applauded for her efforts to drive inclusion at Enspec; boosting diversity by 30% and now boasting three women in senior management.
Since taking over as CEO, Mara has also been recognised for "supercharging" Enspec's growth, with the electrical engineering firm projected to achieve a £4.5m turnover this year - achieving more than £1m in growth compared to 2022.
Founded in 1998, Enspec was also named Employer of the Year at the St Helens Business Awards in 2021.
Speaking about the 'Gamechangers' nomination, Mara said: "I'm so proud to announce I have been shortlisted for a Northern Game Changer Award, which celebrates the champions of purpose-driven business in the North West.
"At Enspec, we are passionate about sustainability, decarbonisation, innovation, social mobility, diversity and inclusion, so it is incredible to be recognised for our contribution to the region."
While Mara and Enspec narrowly missed out on the award win at the Gamechangers awards last month, judges spoke of the "excellent" breadth of talent from all nominees across the region.
Ilona Alcock, Co-Founder and Director of Elevate, said: “We’ve had some excellent submissions this year, and it really goes to show the breadth of talent we have across the region.
"There’s a real commitment from people across the North to deliver positive change in their communities and it’s an honour to be able to recognise them with these awards.
“Mara’s story is a great example of not being afraid to speak up for something you truly believe in, investing in people and the positive business results that this can yield."
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