Devon Women in Business Awards 2026
The Devon Women in Business Awards 2026 (Save the Date!)
Join us as we celebrate the achievements of women in business across the county of Devon and present the 6th 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 12 categories this year:
- Start-Up of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Fran Minifie Photography
- Small Business of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Louise Jenner, The Dream Job Coach
- Sole Trader / Freelancer of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Dartmoor Reach Alpaca and Glamping Farm
- Employer of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Margaret Oscar Employee Engagement
- Inspirational Leader of the Year (female) – Sponsored by Business Fest SW
- Female Employee of the Year – Sponsored by Jo Douglas, Midlife Harmony
- Customer Service Excellence (female-led business) – Sponsored by Ladram Bay
- Contribution to the Community (over and above normal business activity) – Sponsored by Newton Abbot Racecourse
- Community Group / Charity of the Year (run by a woman) – Presented by Memory Matters
- Unsung Hero (formerly Supporting Act) (male or female individual) – Sponsored by Accentuate Visuals
- Female Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by tbc
- Female Director of the Year – Sponsored by Dawes Accountants
Winners receive a trophy sponsored by Platinum Member, Dawes Accountants, a certificate and a ‘golden buzzer’ through to the semi-finals of the West Country Women Awards 2027.
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 Memory Matters. 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. Menu to be confirmed.
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). 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:
| Book your corporate rate for Sandy Park Affiliates |
*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.
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
6.30 pm – Starter
7.00 pm – Main Course
7.45 pm – Awards Ceremony Part 1
8.15 pm – Dessert & Entertainment
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!
