Award Categories

Start-Up of the Year 2025

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

Winner: Sarah West, ADHD Thrive Together

Highly Commended: Kirsty Dimond, Signed & Sorted Estate Planning

Female Apprentice of the Year 2025

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

Winner: Sophie Piccioni-Vero, CATERed

Highly Commended: Sian Doyle, Torbay Council

Highly Commended: Bryony Pearton, Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

Inspirational Leader of the Year 2025

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

Winner: Katherine Hawke, Hawke Barn

Highly Commended: Nicola Kelly, Circle Case Management

Highly Commended: Kerry English, The Family Law Co

Female Employee of the Year 2025

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 Louise Jenner, The Dream Job Coach

Winner:  Hazel Anderson, Friends Helping at Home

Highly Commended:  Heather McKenzie, CWC Solicitors

Sole Trader/Freelancer of the Year 2025

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

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

Highly Commended: – Rachel Kinsella, Devon Jewellery Valuations

Highly Commended: – Jennifer Searle, Quay Kinetics Physio

Highly Commended: – Gemma Gardner, Signature Sound Therapies

Small Business of the Year 2025

​​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

Winner: Katherine Harvey, Lets Go Barnstaple

Highly Commended: Beth Wood, Happy Glaze Pottery

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

Contribution to the Community of the Year 2025

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

Winner: Lorraine Arnold, Pier Point Bar & Restaurant

Highly Commended: – Judith Morgane, Lightbear Lane

Female-Led Community Group / Charity / Project of the Year 2025

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: Devon Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Services

Winner: Kate Smith, Memory Matters

Highly Commended: Jodie Wilkerson, Exmouth Bosom Buddies 

Customer Service Excellence of the Year 2025

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

 Winner: Suzanne Vickerstaff, The Lorrens Ladies Spa

Highly Commended: Sam Hastings, North Devon Hog Roast

Highly Commended: Sarah West, ADHD Thrive Together

Female Employer of the Year 2025

​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

Winner: Tanya Rowe, Jenson R+ Ltd

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

Supporting Act of the Year 2025

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 Astrality Business Services

Winner: Derek Weeks, Wellbeing in Action

Highly Commended: Lesley Austin, Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm

Highly Commended: Andrew Richardson Friends Helping at Home