In this spotlight, we spoke with Simone Roche MBE, founder of We Are PoWEr, Northern PoWEr Women Awards and PoWEr Collective CIC. What started as a bold vision to increase the visibility of role models in and from the North has grown into a powerful national community championing gender equity, inclusion and social mobility.
Tell us about your business! Who are you, what do you do, what’s your history, where did it all start?
I’m Simone Roche MBE, founder of We Are PoWEr, Northern PoWEr Women Awards and PoWEr Collective CIC.
We began with a simple but powerful belief that visibility changes outcomes. If people can see diverse leadership, they can aspire to it. I wanted to ensure role models are seen in and from the North, because representation truly matters.
Over the past decade, that belief has grown into a 120,000-strong community championing gender equity, inclusion, social mobility and inclusive leadership across the UK, creating millions in social value along the way.
Through We Are PoWEr and our social enterprise, PoWEr Collective CIC, we bring together business, education and public life. Our work spans awards, mentoring, education programmes and partnerships, all focused on building real-life experience and creating meaningful opportunities.
Simone Roche MBE
What is your main challenge and how do you overcome it?
If I’m honest, my main challenge is impatience. If I see something where we can genuinely make an impact, I want to do it straight away. Sadly, even with all our collective superpowers, change doesn’t always happen quickly.
So I focus on what we can do and put it into action. Even small moments and movements can create real momentum.
Many organisations care about equality, but fewer know how to embed it into culture, leadership and decision making. That’s where we step in.
We create structured programmes, visible role models and practical platforms that amplify voices and raise awareness, whether that’s through our award winning We Are PoWEr podcast or our digital hub connecting people with opportunities. Our focus is lasting social impact.
What made you choose instantprint?
I wanted to work with a company in the North. That was important to me. Anything we can do to support organisations in the North, we will.
Thinking about your wins with print marketing, what advice would you give to businesses like yours?
Think carefully about the message you want to communicate in print and focus on making it simple and clear. Clarity matters.
A well produced programme, pin badge or backdrop helps people feel part of something bigger.
Treat print as part of your brand experience, not an afterthought.
How do you make your customers feel special and understood?
We listen.
Whether it’s a student in our PoWEr Pack programme, a founder in our community or a CEO in our awards room, we create spaces where people feel seen and valued.
We amplify their stories and celebrate achievement. Recognition, done well, is powerful.
Northern Power Women Awards 2025
What print products do you order from us and how have they brought you success?
We use event brochures, signage, flyers, backdrops and branded materials across our awards and live sessions.
Quality literature is communication. It’s part of the customer experience and helps create a cohesive, professional environment.
What are your top print tips for other creators and businesses?
1. Be clear on your message.
2. Keep your design simple and strong.
3. Think about how the printed piece will be experienced in the room, not just how it looks on screen.
Why do you use print marketing alongside digital marketing?
Digital creates reach. Print creates presence.
Used together, they strengthen your brand. Our community connects online, but when we bring people together in person, print helps turn that moment into something tangible.
It leaves a legacy. A story people can reflect on and feel proud of long after the event has finished.
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