My hands ache... my feet don't, Shania Twain was playing, and there's still beer left over. Where could I be?

My hands ache from clapping and, like some other sensible women I saw, decided to change into trainers mid-way through the event. Those were but two small highlights from The Inaugural WUN - Womens Utilities Network and Utility Week 's, Women in Utility Awards yesterday. It was a truly unique and memorable experience.

I initially felt completely and utterly undeserving when I was shortlisted for Woman of the Year alongside such impressive nominees, to the extent that I didn’t even want to post about it. Within minutes of the shortlist being announced, the support and camaraderie among the shortlisted made me feel like I was in a girl gang like no other. I do hope that exists in ceremonies of more male-dominated awards. “Hello shortlister, such congratulations and see you there! Love, fellow shortlister”, because, well, why wouldn't you!?

The moment my name (as a nominee) was called by the incredible Dame Sarah Storey and the table erupted in cheers will forever be a career highlight for me. It made running most of the way from Stansted airport and getting dressed on the train utterly worth it, (apologies to anyone viewing the CCTV and no, I won't pay the fine for public indecency).

Despite the challenges of balancing work and family life, which included leaving my husband, son and mother-in-law to navigate the hellish family passport queue, I am grateful for the opportunities and support I have received in my career. As a woman in a heavily male-dominated industry, there is always a sense of tension to prove oneself, so it’s eternally important to support and empower women in the field, whether you’re a woman or not, and special shout out to Colin Hinge CEnv for being the only man at our table and to Jason Tucker who ensures diversity is at the heart of every mission.

I am proud and honoured to have been a part of the awards and to be surrounded by colleagues and non-colleagues alike who champion and support women in the industry. Forever happy to be the Fugee to the Lauryn Hill and the chorus behind the Dion, such huge congratulations Jo Dow , utterly deserved. Huge congratulations to my other comrades Lynne McDonald , Susan McDonald MEng MIET , Angela Booth , Karen Thompson and Monica Collings , #forevertheOGs.

Thank you to my table cheerleaders for the day and let me know when I can don my own pom poms, Angela McCabe, MBA, Anne-Marie Coe, Victoria Bannerman, Rianna Fulham, Inesa Brokore, Claire Harrison and Lisa Bush.

As a parting thought, for something so well run and compèred can’t believe it was the first of its kind. And, of course Shania Twain wasn't playing in person, but don't think I didn't notice the soundtrack of epic female powerhouses, man, I feel like a woman. Bravo WUN - Womens Utilities Network and Utility Week , bravo.