Devon Women in Business

DWIB Online Networking Event (Last Monday)
2027-03-29 12:00 - 13:30, 2027-02-22 12:00 - 13:30, 2027-01-25 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-11-30 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-10-26 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-09-28 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-08-31 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-07-27 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London) and 1 more date | On Zoom, Devon, United Kingdom
DWIB Online Networking (Last Monday)
Join Devon Women in Business for our friendly monthly online networking session, held on the last Monday of each month (unless there’s a bank holiday!). It’s your chance to take time out to meet and chat with other members.
DWIB online networking is friendly, supportive, and welcoming. Whether you run an established business, are just starting out, or are thinking about your next step, you’ll find a warm community ready to connect.
For details of our speakers, please visit our events pages on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Your hosts: Louise Jenner, The Dream Job Coach and Maureen Townsend from Accentuate Visuals.
Book Here
NOW Free and unlimited for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

DWIB Online Networking Event (Second Thursday)
2027-03-11 09:30 - 11:00, 2027-02-11 09:30 - 11:00, 2027-01-14 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-12-10 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-11-12 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-10-08 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-09-10 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-08-13 09:30 - 11:00 and 2 more dates | On Zoom, Devon, United Kingdom
DWIB Online Networking (Second Thursday)
Join Devon Women in Business for our friendly monthly online networking session, held on the second Thursday of each month. It’s your chance to take time out to meet and chat with other members.
DWIB online networking is friendly, supportive, and welcoming. Whether you run an established business, are just starting out, or are thinking about your next step, you’ll find a warm community ready to connect.
For details of our speakers, please visit our events pages on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Your hosts: Louise Jenner, The Dream Job Coach and Maureen Townsend from Accentuate Visuals.
👉 Book Here
NOW Free and unlimited for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

West Country Women Awards - Grand Final Gala
2026-11-27 17:45 - 23:00 | Devon
The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Plymouth will play host to the WWA Grand Final Gala, Dinner and Dance. At DWIB, we wish everyone the very best of luck!

Devon Women in Business Awards 2026
2026-11-20 18:00 - 23:00 | Sandy Park, Sandy Park Conference & Banqueting Centre, Sandy Park Way,, Exeter, Devon, EX2 7NN, United Kingdom
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

The entertainment for the evening is to be confirmed.

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 devonwomeninbusiness@gmail.com 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: devonwomeninbusiness@gmail.com
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!

WCWA Empowerment Training Day Exeter Racecourse
2026-11-04 09:30 - 16:00, 2026-06-05 09:30 - 16:00 | Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XS, United Kingdom
DWIB Members receive 10% discount with the code: WOMEN10
If you have ever entered the DWIB Awards or been nominated, you can select the half-price ticket (Current or Former Nominee Price ticket) and also use the 10% discount code above, giving you a huge 60% off the price of this training!

West Country Women Awards Finalist Announcement
2026-10-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Devon
Through our collaboration with the West Country Women Awards, winners of the DWIB Awards 2025 automatically progressed to the semi-finalist stage in the West Country Women Awards 2026.
Together, we’re creating a staircase of confidence that supports women from Devon to step onto a bigger South West stage. ✨

West Country Women Awards Semi Finalist Announcement
2026-09-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Devon
Through our collaboration with the West Country Women Awards, winners of the DWIB Awards 2025 automatically progress to the semi-finalist stage in the West Country Women Awards 2026.
Together, we’re creating a staircase of confidence that supports women from Devon to step onto a bigger South West stage. ✨
NB: Winners – you still need to complete the WCWA entry form, so watch out for it in your inbox!

West Country Women Awards Online Quarter Finalists Reveal
2026-08-19 10:30 - 12:30 | Devon

DWIB Simply Networking - Bideford
2026-07-16 10:30 - 12:00 | The Old Foundry Venue & Forge Bar, Bridge Street Car Park, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2BU, United Kingdom
DWIB Simply Networking in Bideford with World Class Adventures
DWIB Simply Networking in Bideford is a great way to get together with other women in business. With no lunch, brunch, or dinner to pay for, the focus is simply networking! Of course, we’ll keep you going with teas and coffees.
As ever, this is a women-only event with a friendly and informal vibe.

Venue
The Old Foundry Venue & Forge Bar is our venue for this event. With its rustic barn design, it features stunning hand-crafted barn doors fitted with oversized black forged door hardware. The woodwork is intentionally scorched, illuminated by an orange glow, creating a vibrant and fiery ambiance.
Located in Bideford’s Bridge Street car park, the newly renamed Old Foundry Venue and Forge Bar was once home to Tardrews Iron Foundry, situated behind the Chopes of Bideford clothing department store. The venue is still owned by the Chopes family and leased to husband-and-wife duo Donna and Simon Henry, who have transformed it into a thriving events venue and the catering quarter of Bideford.
Your Hosts

Bridget Perriman from World Class Adventures is your host for this event. Please contact DWIB with any queries you may have.
Timings

10.30 – 11.00 am – Welcome & Intros
11.00 – 11.45 am – Simply Networking – Your chance to find out what other members do for a living and to share information about your business too!
11.45 – 12.00 noon – Close

Transport & Parking
Car-sharing is encouraged – please post in our groups on Facebook or LinkedIn if you’d like to offer a lift to others.
Tickets
Please scroll down to book your tickets. Members’ discounts apply. Non-members and guests, please select the standard ticket or create your membership now and enjoy a discount on this and all future events!

Workshop: Succeeding at Business Awards
2026-07-01 10:00 - 12:00 | The Tribe SW Ltd, The Tribe SW Ltd Office 1, The Byre Berry Pomeroy, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6LH, United Kingdom
Succeeding at Business Awards
Thinking about entering a business award this year? Whether you are considering the Devon Women in Business Awards or another awards scheme, this practical workshop will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence. Entering awards for the first time, or even the second or third time, can feel daunting. This workshop is designed to remove that uncertainty and help you present your business in a way that truly impresses the judges.
You will leave with a clearer understanding of how awards work, what judges look for, and how to give your entry the best possible chance of success.
What we will cover
• Why entering awards can benefit your business• Nomination vs self-entry• Choosing the right awards for your business• The entry process explained• Do’s and don’ts when completing your entry• Good and bad examples of award submissions• Evidence to strengthen your application• How to maximise the benefits before, during, and after the awards

About Maureen Townsend
Alongside her work with Devon Women in Business, Maureen runs her photography and marketing business Accentuate Visuals, based in Torquay.
Maureen brings extensive awards experience. She has served as a judge and steering group member for Newsquest Media Group in Hampshire, coordinated and judged the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Awards in the South East, and for the past six years has organised and judged the Devon Women in Business Awards. With 28 years’ experience supporting businesses, including previously serving as CEO of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, she brings a wealth of practical insight into what makes a winning entry.

Event Details
📍 Venue: The Tribe🕙 Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon💷 Price: Free for DWIB members; £15 for non-members

If you’ve been thinking about entering awards but weren’t quite sure where to start, this workshop will give you the knowledge and confidence to go for it.

DWIB Awards 2026 - Launch
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Dartington Hall, The White Hart, Dartington Hall, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EL, United Kingdom
DWIB Awards 2026 Launch
The countdown to the DWIB Awards 2026 officially begins… and you’re invited to be part of it.
Join us for a relaxed and inspiring Awards Launch Brunch as we open entries for the DWIB Awards 2026, our annual celebration of the incredible women, allies, and businesses making waves across Devon.
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Dartington Hall, this mid-morning event is your chance to:

✨ Be first to hear all about the 2026 Awards categories

✨ Meet our magnificent DWIB Awards sponsors

✨ Get insider tips on how to submit a strong entry

✨ Connect with fellow members, previous finalists and winners

✨ Enjoy delicious brunch and refreshments while you network

Whether you’re thinking of entering yourself, nominating someone else, sponsoring the awards, or simply soaking up the energy, this event is designed to inform, inspire, and encourage you to put yourself forward.
💖 All categories open for entries from launch day💖 You do not need to have entered before (but previous entrants are welcome to apply again!)💖 You absolutely do not need to feel “ready” (most winners didn’t!)
The DWIB Awards are about visibility, confidence, community, and celebrating success in all its forms, not just turnover and titles.
Come along, raise a glass (or a coffee cup), meet the faces behind the Awards, and take your first step towards the DWIB Awards 2026.
We cannot wait to welcome you.
💫 Previous DWIB Award Winners are invited to talk about their experiences and the impact that winning their awards had on them and their business.
💫 Platinum and Gold members and sponsors are invited to showcase their businesses by displaying banners, leaflets and other promotional material.
Brunch
Enjoy fresh fruit juice, tea or coffee and a delicious brunch in the White Hart Inn
Brunch to include:

Fresh orange juice
A selection of pastries
Fresh fruit platters
Tea and Coffee
Jugs of water for the table

Transport & Parking
By Car: Take the Dartbridge exit from the A38 towards Totnes. Turn left into the grounds of Dartington Hall by Dartington Church. Follow the lane and park in the designated car park by Dartington Hall. Register your car at reception to enjoy free parking!
Tickets
Tickets must be booked in advance. Please scroll down to book yours now. Members’ discounts apply.
Hosts
Your Hosts: Louise Jenner and Maureen Townsend.
Venue
Dartington Hall is a Gold Member of Devon Women in Business and Sponsor of the DWIB Awards 2026.

Fizzy Friday
2026-06-05 17:30 - 20:30 | North Devon Cricket Club
Our friends at West Country Women invite you to their Fizzy Friday Finance & Networking event, an evening of conversation, inspiration, and connection with women from across the region.
Expect a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, a glass of Nosecco in hand, and the chance to meet like-minded women while hearing from inspiring speakers.
Your Fizzy Friday hosts
Selaine Saxby
Former MP for North Devon and recently qualified financial adviser. Selaine brings her Westminster experience and financial expertise to help women feel more confident navigating their financial future. She is also the North Devon Ambassador for West Country Women.
Alexis Bowater OBE
Director General of West Country Women, award-winning campaigner, and well-known community connector. Alexis will be hosting the evening and helping bring the West Country Women community together.
What’s included

Short talks from guest speakers, including previous West Country Women Awards finalists
Nosecco, nibbles, and plenty of networking
A welcoming group of women to meet and connect with
Additional surprises still to be announced

Venue
North Devon Cricket Club
The Pavilion
Sandhills
Instow
North Devon
EX39 4LF
Event partner
Sponsored by North Prospect
Free Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/fizzy-friday-finance-and-networking
