Dynamic director shortlisted for two awards
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 8 April 2026
UPDATED: 8 April 2026
The passionate operations director of a Northamptonshire-based asbestos removal and biohazard cleaning company has been named a finalist in prestigious awards which celebrate the UK’s most inspiring businesswomen.
Elena Paunete, of Specialist Remediation Solutions (SRS), has been shortlisted in two categories of the National Business Women’s Awards - the Woman in Construction Award and Business Woman of the Year Award (Micro).
The Business Woman of the Year Award (Micro) shines a light on business leaders who have achieved accomplishments of significance over their career and the Woman in Construction Award recognises outstanding leadership, innovation, and excellence in the Construction industry.
Elena, who was also crowned Business Leader of the Year at the 2025 Wellingborough and North Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, has been instrumental in the growth and success of SRS since she joined the fledgling firm in 2024.
She was quickly promoted from operations manager to operations director after single-handedly running the business when managing director Stephen Booth was unexpectedly hospitalised.
Her gargantuan efforts meant SRS was able to secure its Health and Safety Executive licence renewal while Stephen was recovering and ensured everything continued to run smoothly until his full return.
Stephen said:
“Asbestos removal and biohazard cleaning are not easy tasks, but Elena took on the day-to-day running of the business with professionalism and confidence. She even managed our Health and Safety Executive licence renewal while I was recovering, ensuring everything continued to run smoothly until I was able to return.
“Despite the demands of the job, Elena also found time to visit me in hospital, offering not only practical support but genuine emotional care. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment during such a difficult period meant more than words can express.
“Elena is so deserving of this recognition and I’m very grateful for all her hard work.”
Elena, who was unaware of Stephen nominating her for the awards, said:
“I was thrilled and surprised to be shortlisted for the National Business Women’s Awards. The work I do at SRS is not for any reward other than to provide an outstanding service for our clients alongside Stephen and our amazing team. I am proud of how we work together to do this and that because of this, I am able to thrive. Good luck to all the finalists.”
To find out more about the services that SRS offers visit https://srsolutions.uk/
