Jane Osbourn, MedImmune

At a sell-out black tie event at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Stansted, Jane Osbourn, director of Cambridge-based MedImmune UK Ltd, was presented with the esteemed title.

Judges said: "What was particularly impressive about Jane was her own unique style of leadership that clearly delivers innovative, creative and sustainable results for everyone involved with the business - whilst still retaining her passion and dedication to Science."

The awards have become more and more hotly contested each year and recognise the success and commitment of women running and leading businesses throughout the six counties; Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridge, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

The event saw over 180 business leaders, mentors and award finalists come together to celebrate the process and learn of the winning individuals. Steve Elsom, from main sponsor Lloyds TSB Commercial, said this year's entrants had been particularly impressive and the award ceremony provided a very fitting way to celebrate the accomplishments not only of the winners, but of every shorlisted businesswoman from across the region.

"As the main sponsor for the East of England Businesswoman Awards, we have seen first hand just what an incredible wealth of talent and drive is out there within the business community.

I know that everyone from my team who has been involved in the judging process has really enjoyed meeting these inspirational women and I applaud every finalist and winner for what they have accomplished in their business lives so far."

Alison Beech, Chairman of the East of England Businesswoman of the Year Awards Committee, added her praise for each of the women acknowledged at the award ceremony.

She said: "It is always a great pleasure to meet with women who are determined to succeed in business and who are throwing themselves into the leadership of their own company or are contributing significantly to another enterprise.

I have been involved in the awards for a number of years now and continue to be impressed by the calibre of the entrants and the accomplishment of the winners.

We look forward to seeing what these women will go on to achieve in the future, for themselves, their businesses and the economic success of the region."