A packed ballroom, £53.6bn of business, and one unforgettable night. The 2025 Enterprise Vision Awards brought together women from every corner of Great Britain, from start-ups to global brands, to celebrate the power of female entrepreneurship.
Blackpool glittered inside and out on Friday night as The EVAS, the UK’s largest celebration of women in business, lit up the Winter Gardens. The awards shone a spotlight on women building enterprises, large and small, that are powering the UK economy, reshaping industries, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation. These are trailblazers, campaigners and thought leaders whose work is creating ripples far beyond business.
The atmosphere is what sets the EVAS apart. Guests knew they were in for a night to remember the moment the first sponsor walked on stage. The room erupted into song, and it didn’t stop. Singing, laughter, dancing in chairs and standing ovations became the soundtrack to a celebration where every finalist received their moment in the spotlight.
Sequins glittered almost as brightly as the Blackpool Illuminations, but the real sparkle came from the stories: tales of resilience, innovation, and businesses that are creating jobs, solving problems, and changing lives.
Coral Horn, Founder of EVAS, said “This year has shown just how powerful the EVAS community can be. From taking the awards to Westminster, to introducing complimentary carer and Pay It Forward tickets, and leading a campaign against period poverty with WUKA that has already distributed period pants to organisations in need across the UK. Even the tables became part of the story, named after inspirational women, with guests waving paddles and sparking conversations about legacy, role models and the future.”
The highly contended Inspirational Woman of the Year was won by ex-paralympian Clair Buckle of Ability Consultancy NW. She said “I was not expecting to hear my name, but it filled me with immense pride and privilege to share the stage with so many incredible women on the night of celebration. This award is not just about me, but also about recognising the struggles I have overcome throughout my life and how I have used them as a driver for what I do today, and continue to be a voice for others with disabilities. It shows that anything is possible, and you must believe in your own ability.”
The EVAS are more than one night of celebration. For many women, being part of the awards raises the profile of their business, builds credibility with customers and investors, and provides a morale boost that fuels confidence and growth. Every finalist, whether they take home a trophy or not, gains visibility, connections and validation that can open doors long after the EVAS lights fade.
The fiercely contended Business Woman of the Year Award went to Julianne Ponan MBE, founder of Creative Nature. Judges praised her as “a pioneering leader whose confidence and passion are at the heart of her success. Her personal story is inspiring and fuels a business with real purpose. She is fearless in finding solutions, committed to her brand and industry, and a champion for others. Her journey deserves to be celebrated.”
Sponsor of the award, Steve Sorah, Sales & Marketing Director at Trident, added: “Being part of the judging process has been a real privilege. The standard of entries was outstanding, and we’re delighted to celebrate the women whose passion and impact are driving businesses forward.”
The highlight of the evening is the Outstanding Achievement Award which was won by Ruth Roberts, Co-Founder of Apconix for defying bias, changing an industry, and proving that science and entrepreneurship are stronger together. On winning her award, she said “It’s such an honour to be recognised by such a wonderful organisation for our work in pioneering new approaches to drug discovery as an international collaboration across industry and academia.”
Recognition matters. It encourages more women into enterprise, raises aspirations for the next generation, and puts relatable role models front and centre. These are women who are change makers and thought leaders, trailblazers and entrepreneurs, as well as those campaigning to make a difference. Together, they are creating jobs, driving innovation, strengthening communities and proving that women’s impact reaches far beyond the bottom line.
With demand at an all-time high, #EVAS2026 will open at the Celebration of Excellence on 16 October. Women from across the UK are invited to enter and share their stories, because every journey deserves to be seen, celebrated and supported. For more information, visit https://www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk
The Winners are:
- Best Business Winner, Jigna Varu of VARU Beauty – Sponsored by Salford Business School
- Business Woman of the Year, Julianne Ponan MBE of Creative Nature – Sponsored by Trident Utilities
- Creative Industry Winner, Sarah Epsom of Sarah Epsom – Sponsored by Glazey Days
- Customer Service Winner, Ashley Walker of HSE Advice UK – Sponsored by United Utilities
- Diverse Business Winner, Victoria Nicol of My Language Connection
- Employer of the Year Winners, Laura Ward and Annemarie Capper of Buckshaw Bunnies Child Care – Sponsored by Porsche Centre Preston
- Family Business Winner, Mel Walmsley of Lakes Sandwiches – Sponsored by The Robinson
- Health & Wellbeing Winner, Alison Colley of Hope’s Therapy Dogs – Sponsored by The Mellow Patch Company
- Hospitality Industry Winner, Tracy Lynn of Spark Creatives – Sponsored by Perfect Recruitment
- Inspirational Woman of the Year, Claire Buckle of Ability Consultancy NW – Sponsored by Pink Link
- New Business Winner, Louise Walden-Edwards of VO:ICE Fitness & Wellbeing Academy – Sponsored by Pro-Business Consulting
- Not For Profit Winner, Allison Furlong of Alfie’s Squad – Sponsored by Blackpool Transport
- Outstanding Achievement Winner, Ruth Roberts of Apconix – Sponsored by WIB360
- Professional Services Winner, Becky Toal of Crowberry Consulting – Sponsored by Chorley Council
- Retail Business Winners, Julianna Woods and Katie Summers of The Mellow Patch Company – Sponsored by Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics
- Scale Up Winner, Lucy Cohen of Mazuma – Sponsored by Join Talent
- Sustainable Business Winner, Stephanie Reed of Reed’s Refillery – Sponsored by Crowberry Consulting
- Training & Coaching Winner, Jane Knight of the Successful Mums Career Academy – Sponsored by Del Parsons Coaching
- Young Entrepreneur Winner, Tilly Dowler of Wanted Wardrobe – Sponsored by AJP Social Studio
- Hospitality Industry Highly Commended Award Lois Kirtlan of Hetty & Betty – Sponsored by Perfect Recruitment
- Young Entrepreneur Highly Commended Award Sophie Lane of Hispania Language School – Sponsored by AJP Social Studio
