Venus Awards 2015 finalists announced
The finalists for this year’s Devon Venus Awards 2015 have been announced at a sumptuous cream-tea event.
More than 70 guests and sponsors attended the prestigious afternoon held at Saunton Sands Hotel in North Devon, which have recently won the Best Hotel Group of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2015. Celebrating their success so far, guests had the opportunity to network with sponsors and the press.
The awards were launched in May and have been whittled down to the finalists through a combination of public and private voting. Sponsors and nominees have enjoyed a variety of events since then which have reflected the upbeat, joyous celebratory mood of the Venus Awards.
Sandra Sampson, of Sampson Hall who sponsors the Business of the Year category, said: “We held an event for the nominees in our category and it was delightful to spend time with them. It was a superb evening which allowed all of the inspirational business women the opportunity to chat, share ideas and get to know one another over a glass of fizz and some delicious canapés.
“The afternoon tea event was fabulous, especially the wonderful location of Saunton Sands. The bar has been raised this year with the caliber of entries for our category Business of the Year. We are now really looking forward to the excitement of the final ceremony.”
The Venus Awards recognise the efforts and talents of local businesswomen and are split into 12 categories covering all aspects of business and personal achievement.
This year more than 2,000 women in business were nominated for the awards in Devon.
Alexis Bowater, Regional Partner for the Devon Venus Awards, said: “The event at Saunton Sands was fantastic. There was a great atmosphere in the room as everyone waited excitedly to hear who had made it through to this year’s finals. I’d like to say a big congratulations to the winners but also to all the women who were nominated this year. I can’t wait for the big, glamorous final in November!”
The glittering red carpet final of the Devon Venus Awards will be held on 27th November at Exeter University’s Great Hall.
The finalists in the Devon Venus Awards 2015 are:
Small Business Award
Alyson Johnson – The Nail Fairy
Rebecca Lippett – The Umbrella Group
Cathryn Clayden – Terrace Podiatry
Sally Wonnacott – Sally Wonnacott Ltd
Lisa Portman – Thermalogica Health Screening
Customer Service Award sponsored by Brend Hotels
Nicole Flanagan – Vagabonds Milkshake Bar
Karen Chugg – Intelligent Abodes Ltd
Donna Wright – World Inspired Ltd
Entrepreneur of the Year
Lisa Battershill – Feet Fixers
Melanie Houghton – Sagenesis Consulting
Laura Wall – Laura Wall Art
Claire Robinson – Extra Help Ltd
Jacqueline Waggett – PacaPod
Heart Business Mother of the Year
Becky Bettesworth – Becky Bettesworth
Ava Barron Thomas – DanSci Dance Studio
Steph Knight – Domino PR
Employee of the Year sponsored by The Exeter Daily
Libbie Davis – Maynard Johns
Louise Pen-Collings – Extra Help Ltd
Clare Geraghty – Barclays
Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management
Ros Debenham – Radiance MediSpa
Pauline Guifoyle – Silvalea Limited
Jane Dumeresque – Folk2Folk
Inspirational Woman Award sponsored by the University of Exeter School
Laura Higgins – South West Grid for Learning
Ellen Rodger – Sungift Solar Ltd
Terri Bainbridge – Thermalogica Health Screening
Digital Media and Online Business Award sponsored by Plymouth Science Park
Ashley Petrons – Make it Marketing
Louise Pasterfield – Sponge UK
Laura Higgins – South West Grid for Learning
New Business Award sponsored by Wizard Jeans
Phoebe Mytton – Riviera Wellbeing – Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
Sarah Yates – Wellies
Imogen Clements – MANOR Publishing Ltd
Employer of the Year sponsored by Natwest
Steve Franks – Water Babies Holdings Ltd
Louise Pasterfield – Sponge UK
Louise Arnold – Peninsula Care Homes Ltd
Director of the Year – Bishop Fleming
Louise Pasterfield – Sponge UK
Julie Hawker – Cosmic
Rachel Buckley – The Family Law Company by Hartnell Chanot
Business of the Year sponsored by Sampson Hall
Jane Maynard – Maynard Johns Chartered Accountants
Kathy Murdoch – Ocean Kave & Westward Living
Tracie Gunningham – Envy
