A woman who left school aged 16 with no GCSEs has received a prestigious award from the 'oscars of business' after setting up her own recruitment business from scratch.

Thirty-eight-year-old Lauren Halket, who currently lives in Sandbach, won the Inspirational Woman award at the Women's Business Club awards in London.

Lauren won 'Inspirational Woman of the Year'. (Photo: Lauren Halket)

Lauren, who set up Key Global Recruitment in 2019, was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, alongside PTSD in later life and says belonging to a gym and regularly working out has helped build strength and reach her goals.

The recruitment company owner finds people for tech jobs all over the world and although she leads a busy life still finds time for classes with 'Trained by Lucas' in Sandbach.

Lauren receiving her award. (Photo: Lauren Halket)

Now she wants to share her story with others so anyone struggling with neurodiversity can follow in her footsteps and become an entrepreneur like her.

"I've always loved recruitment and I am a very driven person," said Lauren. "School was hard for me to focus because of losing my mum so young but she was very much like me.

"I feel the award is for her as well. She was a people person and very successful at what she did. She was a hairdresser trainer. I have a very positive mindset and it's this that determines your future."

Lauren with her trainer Lucas. (Photo: Lauren Halket)

Lauren, who has family in the Stoke-on-Trent area and went to Alsager School, says regylar the gym has played a huge role in helping her to stay strong both mentally and physically, particularly while navigating neurodiversity.

"Like many people say, the gym can be incredibly powerful for mental health, and for me that's been very true," she said.

"Lucas himself is a huge inspiration, constantly challenging himself and motivating others and the gym has a real community feel.

"It's a supportive, welcoming environment that genuinely feels like a small family, and that support has helped me through some key moments on my journey.

"I truly believe that without that structure, support and consistency, I wouldn't have been able to achieve some of the milestones I've reached, so it felt important to acknowledge it as part of my wider story.

Lauren works out regularly. (Photo: Lauren Halket)

Lauren says she didn't expect to be chosen for the award with 32 women in her category. "The category was brand new for 2025 and one of the most competitive on the night, which makes the win even more meaningful.

"It was also my first ever business award, and I'm still genuinely in shock to have won. The recognition represents everything I've overcome to get here.

"My story resonates because it's real and raw. I lost my mum at 16, left school with no GCSEs, rebuilt my life from scratch, and turned trauma, PTSD and neurodiversity into purpose."

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