Award Categories

Start-Up of the Year 2024

For a Devon-based business founded by a female that started trading after January 2023. The judges will be looking for a sound business idea, how that has been brought to market, taken up to date, with a clear plan for the future.

Sponsored by Frankman Design, Print, Marketing & Web

Highly Commended – Jean Shepherd – Beading Diva

Winner – Clair Medhurst – Continuity Midwifery

Female Apprentice of the Year 2024

For a female apprentice who is shining in their role and showing huge potential for the future.  Judges will be looking for someone who has embraced their workplace, is creative, supports their colleagues and has a clear vision for their career path.

Sponsored By: South Devon College

Highly Commended – Ashleigh Chambers – Simpkins Edwards LLP

Winner – Sophie Clarke – SWISCo

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Inspirational Leader of the Year 2024

For a female business person based in Devon, someone who is seen as a leader inside and outside of her core business, a source of advice and expertise. This person motivates others and inspires other women in business. She may be employed or self-employed.

Sponsored by Mercure Paignton.

Highly Commended – Alex Martin – The ALM Collective

Highly Commended – Nikita Dixon – Story Sense

Winner – Lindie Wadlan – Wellbeing in Action

Female Employee of the Year 2024

For a Devon-based female employed by a business who has demonstrated a positive and proactive contribution to their employer and is valued by their colleagues and manager.  Someone who has proactively developed their skills and has ambitions for the future.

2024 Finalists

Highly Commended – Andrea Gallagher – Community Support Team CIC

Winner – Alyson Maguire – Simpkins Edwards LLP

Female Led Small Business of the Year 2024

(up to ​10 Employees)

​​For a female-led (or jointly-led) business based in Devon, comprising 2 – 10 people, that can demonstrate business growth & success, effective marketing strategy, customer satisfaction and a clear plan for the future. (Partnerships and Limited Companies are welcome to enter this category.)

Sponsored by Dawes Accountants

Highly Commended – Maggie Taylor – Frankman  Web, Design & Print

Winner – Alex Martin – Diverse Fitness Torbay

Contribution to the Community of the Year 2024

For a female business person based in Devon who goes above and beyond her core business activity to make a positive contribution to her community in terms of social, charitable or environmental impact. This woman may be employed or self-employed.

Sponsored by Howden Insurance

Winner – Theresa Benson – Adopstar

Highly Commended – Sam Hastings – North Devon Hog Roast

Female-Led Community Group / Charity / Project of the Year 2024

For a female-led community group, charity or project based in Devon that demonstrates a significant impact and positive contribution to those they are set up to serve.

Sponsored by: Santé Care at Home

Highly Commended – Claire Knight – Phoenix Rising CIC

Winner – Davina Cull – Devon Rape Crisis

Customer Service Excellence of the Year 2024

A female-led business, based in Devon, that can demonstrate excellent customer service including good customer retention, testimonials and reviews.

Sponsored by Hoburne Devon Bay

2024 Finalists

Highly Commended – Becki Higgins – Becki Leigh Studios

Winner – Sam Hastings – North Devon Hog Roast

Highly Female Employer of the Year 2024

​For a female manager based in Devon who is recognised by their staff as a good leader, a fair employer and who motivates the team to exceptional results.  Judges will be looking for testimonials from staff and sound training and development ethos, employee engagement and testimonials.

Sponsored by Margaret Oscar Employee Engagement

2024 Finalists 

Highly Commended – Sara Rittershausen – Burnham Nurseries Ltd

Winner – Rebecca Marks – Scarlett Entertainment

​Eco-Friendly Business of the Year 2024

For a Devon Woman In Business demonstrating a commitment to great environmental ethics, eco-friendly products or services, sustainability, local purchasing or lowering their carbon footprint.

Sponsored By Dartmoor Reach Alpaca & Glamping Farm

Highly Commended – Karen Anderson – Minycled Ltd

Winner – Michelle Grist – Wray Valley Ltd

Supporting Act of the Year 2024

For a partner or colleague who demonstrates exceptional support for a Devon Woman in Business – this award is open to male and female entrants and the application can be submitted by the person receiving the support.

Sponsored by Exeter & East Devon Enterprise Zone

Highly Commended – Josh Hyson – Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm

Winner – Emma Warren – Wellbeing in Action