The Devon Women in Business Awards 2025

Join us as we celebrate the achievements of women in business across the county of Devon and present the 5th annual DWIB Awards. The DWIB Awards were launched in 2021 by Louise Jenner and Maureen Townsend and get bigger and better each year!

Categories

There are 11 categories this year:

1. Start-Up of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by City College, Plymouth
2. Small Business of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Dawes Accountants, Newton Abbot
3. Sole Trader / Freelancer of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Dartmoor Reach Alpaca and Glamping Farm
4. Employer of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Margaret Oscar Employee Engagement
5. Inspirational Leader of the Year (female) – Sponsored by Biz Fest SW
6. Female Employee of the Year – Sponsored by The Dream Job Coach
7. Customer Service Excellence (female-led business) – Sponsored by Ladram Bay
8. Contribution to the Community (over and above normal business activity) – Sponsored by Newton Abbot Racecourse
9. Community Group / Charity of the Year (run by a woman) – Judged in association with Devon RCSAS
10. Best Supporting Act (male or female individual) – Sponsored by Astrality Business Services
11. Female Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by South Devon College, Paignton

Winners receive a trophy sponsored by Platinum Member, Dawes Accountants, a certificate and a ‘golden buzzer’ through to the finals of the West Country Women Awards 2026.

The Judges

The DWIB Awards are judged by Louise Jenner, Maureen Townsend and Emma Woodward in conjunction with the Category Sponsors.

Charity

This year we will be holding a raffle in aid of Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services (DCRSAS). Please let us know if you would like to donate a prize.  DRCSAS won the Female-Led, Charity / Community Group / Project of the Year 2024.

Venue

We are delighted to be able to hold this event in The Estuary Suite at Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter.

Entertainment

Dinner Menu

You will be served a delicious 3 course dinner followed by tea/coffee and after dinner mints.

Starters

Basil marinated heritage tomatoes, black olive tapenade, baby mozzarella & rocket salad (NF, GF) Dairy-free & Vegan options available on request. Contains dairy, sulphite.

OR

Pressed Ham hock terrine, peas, broad bean & lovage emulsion, melba toast & frisée salad (NF, DF) Gluten-free option available on request. Contains wheat gluten, soya, egg, mustard.

OR

Grilled halloumi, glazed oranges, quinoa & pickled carrots, pomegranate & watercress salad (NF, GF) Dairy-free option available on request. Contains dairy.

Mains

Roasted chicken breast, smoked potato & parsley terrine, carrot puree, buttered spring greens, pea fricassee, red wine sauce (NF, GF) Dairy free option available on request. Contains celery, mustard, dairy, sulphite.

OR

Slow-cooked shoulder lamb, fondant potato, slow-cooked onions, peas & mint puree, herb roasted aubergine, rosemary sauce (GF, DF, NF) Contains celery, mustard, sulphite.

  OR            

Wild mushroom ravioli, chargrilled vegetables, sage butter, roasted sunflower seeds, watercress (V, NF) Dairy-free & Vegan options available on request. Gluten-free option (Wild mushroom and celeriac open ravioli) available on request. Contains wheat gluten, dairy, egg.

Desserts

Dark chocolate torte, date & coconut crumb, orange mascarpone cream (NF) Dairy-free & Gluten free options available on request. Contains dairy, wheat gluten, egg.

OR

Lemon & lime posset, poached strawberry & honey madeleine (NF) Gluten-free option available on request. Contains dairy, egg, wheat gluten

OR

Poached Rhubarb upside-down cake, brown sugar cream, confit orange (NF) Gluten-free & Dairy free option available on request. Contains wheat gluten, dairy, egg.

PLUS

Freshly brewed coffee, tea & after-dinner mints to finish.

*NF- nut-free, DF- dairy-free, GF – gluten-free, V – vegetarian, VG – vegan

(The menu will be sent after booking so you can pre-order your meal. Deadline for pre-orders is 26th October 2025.)

Drinks

The bar will be open all evening for you to buy your own drinks. Or you can request a pre-order form for your drinks by emailing [email protected] and then sending your completed form to Sandy Park.

Dress Code

It’s not ‘black tie’ but it is a party so feel free to dress up. 

Transport & Accommodation

There is plenty of parking at the venue (chargeable) and car-sharing is encouraged!

The Marriott Courtyard Sandy Park Hotel is situated next to Sandy Park Conference Centre and has 250 Bedrooms. Should you wish to make a group booking of 10 rooms or more please contact your Sandy Park Event Coordinator to receive preferential rates. Alternatively, you can book individual discounted rooms through the link below:

*Please note this link will allow you to book up to 3 rooms at a time. When booking through this link, you also receive parking and a 24 hour cancellation with no pre-payment.

Tickets

Scroll down to book your tickets now.  Members’ and Finalists’ discounts apply. Ticket sales close: 30th October 2025

When booking a table of 8 or 10, please buy your tickets and then email us a list of names so we can ensure you are all seated together!

Email: [email protected]

Timings for the Evening

6.00 pm –  Arrival and Magician
6.30 pm –  Starter
7.00 pm –  Main Course
7.45 pm –  Awards Ceremony Part 1
8.15 pm –  Dessert
8.45 pm –  Awards Ceremony Part 2
9.15 pm –  Coffee and mints
9.30 pm –  Charity Raffle
10.00 pm – Networking and Celebrating
11.00 pm – Goodnight!