Award Categories

Start-Up of the Year 2026

For a Devon-based business founded by a female that started trading after January 2024. 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 City College Plymouth

2025 Winner: Sarah West, ADHD Thrive Together

2025 Highly Commended: Kirsty Dimond, Signed & Sorted Estate Planning

Female Apprentice of the Year 2026

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

2025 Winner: Sophie Piccioni-Vero, CATERed

2025 Highly Commended: Sian Doyle, Torbay Council

2025 Highly Commended: Bryony Pearton, Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

Inspirational Leader of the Year 2026

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 Business Fest South West

2025 Winner: Katherine Hawke, Hawke Barn

2025 Highly Commended: Nicola Kelly, Circle Case Management

2025 Highly Commended: Kerry English, The Family Law Co

Female Employee of the Year 2026

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.

Sponsored by  Midlife Harmony

2025 Winner:  Hazel Anderson, Friends Helping at Home

2025 Highly Commended:  Heather McKenzie, CWC Solicitors

Sole Trader/Freelancer of the Year 2026

For a female sole trader/freelancer based in Devon, trading for at least 18 months, who can demonstrate business growth & success, effective marketing strategy, customer satisfaction and a clear plan for the future. (A Sole Trader is someone who works alone. You may also be a director of a Limited Company.)

Sponsored by Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm

2025 Winner: – Andie Durnell, Forget-me-not Keepsakes

2025 Highly Commended: – Rachel Kinsella, Devon Jewellery Valuations

2025 Highly Commended: – Jennifer Searle, Quay Kinetics Physio

2025 Highly Commended: – Gemma Gardner, Signature Sound Therapies

Small Business of the Year 2026

​​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

2025 Winner: Katherine Harvey, Lets Go Barnstaple

2025 Highly Commended: Beth Wood, Happy Glaze Pottery

2025 Highly Commended: Kira Pitt & Sarah Bancroft, SNK Hair & Beauty 

Contribution to the Community of the Year 2026

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 Newton Abbot Racecourse

2025 Winner: Lorraine Arnold, Pier Point Bar & Restaurant

2025 Highly Commended: – Judith Morgane, Lightbear Lane

Female-Led Community Group / Charity / Project of the Year 2026

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:

2025 Winner: Kate Smith, Memory Matters.  Now, Memory Matters is the DWIB Charity of the Year 2026.

2025 Highly Commended: Jodie Wilkerson, Exmouth Bosom Buddies 

Customer Service Excellence of the Year 2026

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

Sponsored by Ladram Bay Holiday Park

 2025 Winner: Suzanne Vickerstaff, The Lorrens Ladies Spa

2025 Highly Commended: Sam Hastings, North Devon Hog Roast

2025 Highly Commended: Sarah West, ADHD Thrive Together

Female Employer of the Year 2026

​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

2025 Winner: Tanya Rowe, Jenson R+ Ltd

2025 Highly Commended: Pippa Bird and Yvonne Spijkerman, Circle Case Management

Unsung Hero of the Year 2026 – (previously Supporting Act)

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 Accentuate Visuals

2025 Winner: Derek Weeks, Wellbeing in Action

2025 Highly Commended: Lesley Austin, Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm

2025 Highly Commended: Andrew Richardson Friends Helping at Home