The Devon Women in Business Awards 2025 lit up Sandy Park in Exeter, as nearly 180 guests came together to celebrate the outstanding women leading, innovating and inspiring across our county. ✨
Hosted by Louise Jenner (The Dream Job Coach), and joined by Maureen Townsend (Astrality Business Services) and Emma Woodward (Dawes Accountants), the evening was a joyful blend of laughter, applause, and a touch of magic – quite literally, thanks to roaming magician Richard John MMC!
Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner, beautiful goody bags (thank you to Daneswood for sponsoring them once again), and a prize raffle in aid of Devon RCSAS, which raised funds for a truly vital cause.
Female Start-Up of the Year
Sponsored by City College Plymouth – Presented by Lee McQueen
“This year’s Start-Up of the Year winner impressed the judges with a deeply authentic and purpose-driven business that meets a clear and growing need in an underserved community.” – Lee McQueen, City College.
🏅 Winner: Sarah West, ADHD Thrive Together (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Kirsty Dimond, Signed & Sorted Estate Planning (above)
Female Employee of the Year
Sponsored and presented by Louise Jenner, The Dream Job Coach
“Today’s employees are the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. I’m looking for someone who owns their role and treats their employer’s business as if it were their own!”
– Louise Jenner
🏅 Winner: Hazel Anderson, Friends Helping at Home (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Heather McKenzie, CWC Solicitors (above)
Female-Led Small Business of the Year
Sponsored by Dawes Accountants – Presented by Emma Woodward
“Small businesses are the beating heart of our Devon communities. This year’s winner impressed the judges with their creativity, resilience and the care they pour into every aspect of their business. Their commitment to quality, their customers and their local area made them truly stand out.”
🏅 Winner: Katherine Harvey, Let’s Go! Barnstaple (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Beth Wood, Happy Glaze Pottery, Exmouth (unable to attend)
👏 Highly Commended: Kira Pitt & Sarah Bancroft, SNK Hair & Beauty, Newton Abbot (above)
Female Sole Trader / Freelancer of the Year
Sponsored by Dartmoor Reach Alpaca & Glamping Farm, Bovey Tracey – Presented by Natalie Hyson
“This award celebrates the courage, resilience and expertise it takes to build a business single-handedly. Our winner impressed the judges with their professionalism, strong client relationships and the pride they take in delivering exceptional service.”
🏅 Winner: Andie Durnell, Forget-me-not Keepsakes, Crediton (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Rachel Kinsella, Devon Jewellery Valuations, Tavistock (below)
👏 Highly Commended: Gemma Gardner, Signature Sound Therapies, Brixham (below)
👏 Highly Commended: Jennifer Searle, Quay Kinetics, Exeter (below)
Female Employer of the Year
Sponsored and Presented by Margaret Oscar, Employee Engagement, Torbay
“This category celebrates employers who understand that engaged workforces build exceptional businesses. And that a motivated and engaged workforce drives both business performance and a sense of shared purpose.” – Margaret Oscar
🏅 Winner: Tanya Rowe, Jenson R+ Ltd, Barnstaple (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Pippa Bird & Yvonne Spijkerman, Circle Case Management, Seaton (above)
Supporting Act of the Year (any gender)
Sponsored by Astrality Business Services – Presented by Maureen Townsend
“Behind every great businesswoman, there’s often a team helping her to succeed. This award recognises an individual of any gender who goes above and beyond to support a woman in business in Devon.” – Maureen Townsend
🏅 Winner: Derek Weeks, Wellbeing in Action, Newton Abbot (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Lesley Austin, Dartmoor Reach Alpaca & Glamping Farm, Bovey Tracey (below)
👏 Highly Commended: Andrew Richardson, Friends Helping at Home, Devon (below)
Dinner, Dessert & A Dash of Magic
Guests enjoyed a beautifully served meal by the team at Sandy Park, with plenty of laughter, conversation and impromptu magic from Richard John MMC at the tables. The room was styled by Wendy and her team from Decorations and Celebrations.
Female-Led Community Group / Project / Charity of the Year
Sponsored by DWIB Award Winners 2024, Devon Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Services – Presented by Dr Davina Cull
“This year’s winner showed extraordinary dedication to supporting people living with memory loss and dementia. Their approach blends expertise with deep empathy, creating spaces where people feel valued, understood and supported. The judges were moved by the impact of their work and are delighted to name them our Charity of the Year.”
🏅 Winner: Kate Smith, Memory Matters, Plymouth – also named the DWIB Charity of the Year for 2026 (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Jodie Wilkerson, Exmouth Bosom Buddies, Exmouth (above)
Customer Service Excellence by a Female-Led Business
Sponsored by Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Budleigh Salterton – Presented by Mollie Guerin and Kayleigh Williams
“What truly sets this year’s winner apart is the care and attention they give to every guest who walks through their doors. The experience they create is calm, personal and beautifully attentive – the kind of service that makes people feel cherished from the moment they arrive. Their consistent excellence, warmth and professionalism are at the heart of why their customers return time and time again.”
🏅 Winner: Suzanne Vickerstaff, The Lorrens Ladies Spa, Torquay (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Sam Hastings, North Devon Hog Roast, Winkleigh (below – Tracey collected the certificate in Sam’s absence)
👏 Highly Commended: Sarah West, ADHD Thrive Together, Winkleigh (below)
Female Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by South Devon College – Presented by Katy Hensby
“Apprenticeships change futures, and this year’s winner is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through hard work, passion and dedication. She has embraced every opportunity, contributed wholeheartedly to her organisation and shown exceptional promise for the career ahead of her. The judges were genuinely inspired by her commitment and potential.”
🏅 Winner: Sophie Piccioni-Vero, CATERed, Plymouth (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Bryony Pearton, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (below)
👏 Highly Commended: Sian Doyle, Torbay Council (below)
Contribution to the Community
Sponsored by Newton Abbot Racecourse – Presented by Jenny Paton
“What stood out most about this year’s winner was her unwavering commitment to giving back. Lorraine uses her business not just as a place to serve customers, but as a platform to support her community in meaningful, heartfelt ways. From championing local causes to opening her doors to those who need a helping hand, her generosity, leadership and genuine care have made a real and lasting difference. The judges were deeply inspired by her dedication and the positive impact she brings to Torbay.”
🏅 Winner: Lorraine Arnold, Pier Point Bar & Restaurant, Torquay (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Andie Durnell, Forget-me-not Keepsakes, Crediton (below)
👏 Highly Commended: Judith Morgane, Lightbear Lane, Exeter (below)
Inspirational Leader
Sponsored by Business Fest South West – Presented by Gavin Harris
“Katherine Hawke’s win reflects her exceptional leadership, vision and creativity in driving business success. She consistently identifies opportunities, takes calculated risks and delivers tangible results with lasting impact.” – Gavin Harris
🏅 Winner: Katherine Hawke, Hawke Barn, Tiverton (above)
👏 Highly Commended: Nicola Kelly, Circle Case Management, Seaton (below)
👏 Highly Commended: Kerry England, The Family Law Co, Exeter (below)
The Charity Raffle
The evening’s raffle raised valuable funds for Devon Rape Crisis & Sexual Support Services, thanks to the generosity of all who donated prizes – from hampers and yoga classes to marketing support, bouquets and even a two-night stay at Dartmoor Reach Alpaca & Glamping Farm!
Over £600 was raised on the night – enough for a programme of therapy for two people.
Next year, DWIB will proudly support Memory Matters as our Charity of the Year 2026.
Thank You
Heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, judge, finalist and guest for making this such a joyful and inspiring evening.
Special thanks to our magnificent sponsors, including: Dawes Accountants for the trophies, Black Swan Printers for the programmes and Daneswood for the goody bags, and to everyone who contributed to those bags – we really appreciate your generosity!
Huge thanks also to Sandy Park for their impeccable hospitality, Poppy Jakes Photography for capturing the night so beautifully, and Richard John for the magic.
And finally, to all the incredible women of Devon – congratulations on everything you’ve achieved, and thank you for continuing to support, uplift and inspire one another.
Here’s to another year of women (and men) supporting women in business – we’ll see you in 2026! 💖✨
Copyright: Devon Women in Business 2025 – Photo Credit: Poppy Jakes Photography
Author: Louise Jenner
Louise Jenner was born and raised in Devon. She is passionate about helping others to do the kind of work they love and is known as The Dream Job Coach.
