The Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS) brought together exceptional entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators and changemakers at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens on Friday 2 October for an evening filled with joy, emotion and extraordinary achievement.
Now in its 15th year, the national awards celebrate women from every sector, recognising everything from entrepreneurial ambition and commercial growth to exceptional leadership and lasting social impact.
This year’s ceremony marked a new chapter for the EVAS, following the launch of SheChain Live. Together, the two events created a national platform dedicated to connecting women with opportunities, raising aspirations and celebrating success.
A Standing Ovation for an Extraordinary Woman
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Figen Murray OBE received the Outstanding Achievement Award, recognising her extraordinary campaign to change the law and improve public safety.
Following the murder of her son Martyn in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, Figen spent more than six years campaigning for legislation requiring venues and events to be better prepared for terrorist attacks. Her determination carried her through political changes, repeated setbacks and a 200-mile walk to Downing Street to ensure those in power listened. In April 2025, Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent.
When Figen’s name was announced, the entire room rose to its feet in a standing ovation, recognising a woman whose personal determination has helped change the law of this country.
Coral Horn, founder of the Enterprise Vision Awards, said “The EVAS is about so much more than business success. It’s about women who dare to dream, challenge expectations and keep going when the odds are against them.
“This year, we brought together a community representing more than £80 billion in annual business turnover. The scale of the business influence and opportunity in that room was extraordinary, but it’s the stories behind the numbers that stay with me.
“Watching the entire room rise to its feet for Figen was a moment I’ll never forget. She has shown us what one determined woman can achieve, turning unimaginable personal loss into lasting change that will help protect millions of people. That’s what the EVAS is about: recognising extraordinary women, opening doors and inspiring others to believe in what they can achieve.”
From Personal Tragedy to Business Woman of the Year
Another powerful story of resilience came from Janine Rees, owner of Vanliners, who was named Business Woman of the Year.
Following the devastating loss of her husband and business partner, Janine stepped forward to lead the company through an exceptionally difficult period. She has provided stability for her team while continuing to develop the business, investing in its people, skills and future growth. Operating in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Janine has demonstrated the strength, determination and humanity needed to carry forward an established business while building a legacy of her own.
The independent judges recognised her exceptional leadership, particularly her ability to take responsibility during a period of profound personal and professional challenge while maintaining the confidence of her team and moving the business forward.
Janine Rees said “This is a huge honour, particularly because the EVAS are such a prestigious celebration of women and their achievements across the UK. I see this award as recognition of the wider Vanliners family and everything we have achieved together. The support I have received from our incredible team and my family has meant everything to me, particularly since taking the helm following Dave’s passing, and I’m incredibly proud that we have continued his commitment to supporting our local community through organisations such as Wigan Youth Zone and Wigan & Leigh Hospice. I also feel very strongly about women supporting women, and it is incredibly special to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women who are making a difference in their businesses, communities and industries. Giving back, creating opportunities for people and supporting those around us is a really important part of who Vanliners is, and I’m proud to be continuing that.”
From a £7,000 Kickstarter to a Multimillion-Pound Brand
Ruby Raut, founder of WUKA, was named Brand of the Year, recognising an entrepreneur who has challenged an established industry and built a business with purpose at its heart.
Inspired by her experiences of period shame and poverty while growing up in Nepal, Ruby launched WUKA in 2017 with a £7,000 Kickstarter campaign. Today, the reusable period wear brand serves more than one million customers, has achieved multimillion-pound revenues and has helped challenge attitudes towards menstrual health.
The judges recognised Ruby’s combination of commercial ambition, innovation and powerful storytelling, alongside her determination to use WUKA’s influence to educate and create lasting change.
Ruby said “Winning Brand of the Year is an incredible recognition, but for me, WUKA has always been about something much bigger than building a brand. Our mission is to create a generation of girls who grow up understanding their periods, their hormones and their bodies, without shame or embarrassment. I want girls to have the knowledge and confidence to speak up about their health and challenge the taboos that generations before them were taught to accept. If WUKA can help create that change for the next generation, that will always be our greatest achievement.”
Tom Smith, CEO and Founder of Complete, said “Behind every successful brand is a team of people who care deeply about what they’re building. We’re proud to sponsor the Brand of the Year Award because it recognises businesses driven by strong values, creativity and leadership. Supporting EVAS aligns perfectly with our belief that when people are empowered, brands thrive.”
Meet the EVAS 2026 Winners
The awards recognised women from across the UK, celebrating exceptional achievements in business, innovation, leadership and social impact.
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Best Business: Tarnia Elsworth and Annabel Lumsden, TP Financial Solutions
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Brand of the Year: Ruby Raut, WUKA
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Business Woman: Janine Rees, Vanliners
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Creative Industry: Meg Hawkins, Meg Hawkins Ltd
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Customer Service: Helen Taylor, Glazey Days
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Diverse Business: Michaela Wain, Design & Build UK and Women in Construction
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Driven Leader: Jo Miller, Labcorp
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Family Business: Lynsey Tattersall, A R Tattersall / The Green Cow
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Health and Beauty: Cheryle Britton, YOLO Wellbeing
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Hospitality Industry: Emily Timberlake, Tequila Flora
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Inspirational Woman: Chris Tuck, Survivors of aBuse
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New Business: Kate Morement, Restore Compliance
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Not For Profit: Dr Penny Trayner, BPM Rehab and Brains Powered by Music CIC
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Retail Business: Jennie Bayliss, Letterbox Cocktails
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Sustainable Business: Helen Lord, Rehome,
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Theo Paphitis #SBS: Frances Williams, The Calmness Crew
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Training and Coaching: Nicky Anstey, Transform to Perform Coaching
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Young Entrepreneur: Dr Leya Luhar, OSCE Toolbox
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Outstanding Achievement: Figen Murray OBE, Martyn’s Law Campaign
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Highly Commended, Best Business: Laura Davies and Ellie Tapper, Marshall Harmony
From Recognition to Opportunity
The launch of SheChain Live extended the EVAS into a two-day national event, bringing women-led businesses face to face with buyers, investors, industry experts and organisations that can help them grow.
The programme featured keynote speakers Karen Millen OBE and Emma Jones CBE, expert panels, practical workshops, opportunities to pitch and direct conversations with buyers, creating opportunities for businesses at every stage of growth.
Coral Horn added “We don’t just want to celebrate what women have achieved. We want to help them achieve even more. SheChain Live is about opening doors, creating meaningful connections and giving ambitious women access to the people and opportunities that can help them build bigger businesses. We’re already planning for 2027, and our ambition is bigger than ever. Whether you’re a woman building a business, an organisation looking for new suppliers or a brand that wants to champion female enterprise, we’d love you to be part of it.”
SheChain Live returns on Thursday 23 September 2027, followed by the Enterprise Vision Awards on Friday 24 September 2027.
For further information, visit enterprisevisionawards.co.uk and wib360.com.
