The Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS), the UK’s largest celebration of women in business, has announced its 2026 Finalists, recognising an inspiring line-up of female founders, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the UK.
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, EVAS continues to showcase the growing influence and economic contribution of women-led businesses, from start-ups and scale-ups through to established organisations operating nationally and internationally.
Behind the finalists are remarkable stories of determination, leadership and ambition. They include women who have scaled businesses from kitchen tables to national brands, turned personal challenges into thriving organisations, and built companies that are creating jobs, developing innovative products and services, and making a meaningful contribution to the UK economy.
The announcement follows EVAS’ recent reception at the House of Lords, where founders, policymakers and business leaders came together to discuss the future of female entrepreneurship and the role women-led businesses are playing in driving economic growth and social change.
The conversation now moves from Westminster to Blackpool, where finalists from across the UK will gather this October. For many, the journey extends far beyond the awards themselves. EVAS has become known for creating connections, collaborations and opportunities that continue long after the winners are announced, helping ambitious women learn from one another, grow their businesses and reach new markets.
Over the past 15 years, the EVAS community has celebrated and supported some of the UK’s most influential female entrepreneurs and changemakers, including Julianne Ponan MBE of Creative Nature, Maxine Laceby of Absolute Collagen, former detective and campaigner Maggie Oliver, and Melissa Snover of Nourished. Their achievements reflect the breadth, diversity and strength of female entrepreneurship across the UK.
The finalists progress through a rigorous judging process involving detailed applications, independent assessment, interviews and a public vote.
Coral Horn, Founder of the EVAS, said “What inspires me most is their determination. Every finalist has faced moments where it would have been easier to stop, scale back or play small. Instead, they’ve kept going. These women have backed themselves, taken risks and shown strength when many would have given up. They are proof that success doesn’t have one route or one definition. What they share is determination, resilience and the courage to keep going when things get tough.”
Tom Smith, 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.”
All finalists are eligible to win the Outstanding Achievement Award. Last year’s winner, Ruth Roberts, Co-Founder of ApconiX, said “It is such an honour to be recognised by such a wonderful organisation for our work in pioneering new approaches to drug discovery through collaboration across industry and academia.”
The celebrations begin with SheChain Live on Thursday 1 October, connecting women-led businesses with buyers, procurement teams, partners, media and industry experts, before the winners are announced at the EVAS Awards Ceremony on Friday 2 October at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
Fifteen years on, EVAS continues to champion the women helping shape the future of British business. By celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories, the awards shine a light on the talent, ambition and contribution of women-led businesses across the UK.
Best Business Finalists
Anita Bhanja – Eternal Paws
Katie Bullon – Activ Marketing – The Marketing Agency Franchise
Laura Davies and Ellie Tapper – Marshall Harmony
Lisa Sourbutts – Cube HR
Nicola Peake – Peake Event Group
Preeti Choudhary – Pro-Business Consulting and Kaayu Rituals
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty – iPET Network
Susan Johnson – Intersect
Tarnia Elsworth – TP Financial Solutions
Brand of the Year Finalists sponsored by Complete
Arlene Millar – Henry & Co
Elinor Farn – Olew
Holly Jackson and Kalila Bolton – SheSpot
Kasia Bromley – ACAI Outdoorwear
Lucy Bowes – Lucy & Lola
Rubina Raut – WUKA
Sara Hanna and Charlotte Ayoub – TLC Sport
Susan Bonnar – The British Craft House
Zoe Williams – Aegle’s
Business Woman of the Year Finalists sponsored by Business Finance NW
Emma O’Brien – Embridge Consulting
Gillian Ashcroft – Exceptional Care
Jackie Cuyvers – Convosphere
Janine Rees – Vanliners
Tania Benade-Meyer – mutherboard
Valeria Sykes – Grantley Hall
Veronica Tan – Success Resources UK
Victoria Taylor – Probe Industries
Creative Industry Finalists sponsored by Glazey Days
Abbie Kirwan and Joanne Parker Blue Caribou Productions
Emma Britton – Emma Britton Decorative Glass Designer
Heather Close – Heather Anne Home Fragrance
Kim Heubner – Brush and Tipple
Laura Bennett-Gornall – Local Vocals Choir
Louisa Herridge – Louisa Herridge Ltd
Lucy Byrne – dot-art
Meg Hawkins – Meg Hawkins Ltd
Riannon Palmer – Lem-uhn
Customer Service Finalists sponsored by United Utilities
Anna Bates – Room 11 Coaching
Celia McDonald – For Dogs’ Sake Treats
Diane Farley – Enveco NW Environmental Services
Helen Taylor – Glazey Days
Janine McDonald – Clear the Clutter Now
Melissa Howard – Bidsmithery™
Rachel Dunford – Rachel Dunford Consulting Ltd – aka The Impact Specialist
Sarah Johnson – Flourish Retail
Sharon Hewitt – Chiltern Relocation
Diverse Business Finalists
Ann Seach – Liberty360
Chamiah Dewey – Dewey
Debra Presley – Diverse Nation
Ellie Brown – Recondition
Jacqueline Kibby – Scorpius Books
Kelly Farr and Lisa Rawlings – Female Veterans Alliance
Lianne Terry – Embrace: Living Your Best Queer Life
Michaela Wain – Design and Build UK and Women in Construction
Miranda Wayland – Creative Diversity Network
Driven Leader Finalists sponsored by Porsche Centre Preston
Francine Kenyon – The Printed Cup Company
Gemma Greenacre – Profleet Maintenance Services
Ghada Fourane – Spika Tech
Jo Miller – Labcorp Holdings Inc
Kathryn Pearson – JGP Consultancy Services
Monika Chomka – Amber Healthcare Services
Priya Solanki – Central Power Services
Sarah Birdsey – Nicholls Solicitors
Vicky Brown – No Name Travel
Family Business Finalists sponsored by Cactus Clothing
Charlotte Giddings – Brownie and the Bean
Clare and Lucy Bulmer – Luce and Bear
Gina Pennington – Penningtons Tea & Coffee
Jo Adams – Jo Adams
Jo Leigh and Nichola Howard – Launch NW
Holly Irvine and Lianne Pearson – Yorkshire Financial Services
Lynsey Tattersall – A R Tattersall and The Green Cow
Sara Southworth – SCS Facility Services
Sara Dewhurst – Lytham Gin
Health and Beauty Finalists
Carla Chatburn – The Confident Beauty Therapist
Cheryle Britton – YOLO Wellbeing
Debbie Bosworth – Ideal Edge
Estel Jennings – Idyllic Hair and Skin
Kate Taylor – Evenly
Marlou Cornelissen – JIBE
Lucy Hope – Daughters of Mars
Rachel Childs – Revytal
Rachel Williams – Albus & Flora
Hospitality Industry Finalists sponsored by Blackpool Council
Emily Timberlake – Tequila Flora
Fiona Kane – Cliche Drinks
Kerry Moores – Glamp Gourmet
Kim Capstick – Netherby Hall
Kirsty Woodgate – First Glass Wines
Laura Crowther – The Busy Food Company
Michelle Makin – Blended Coffee Lounge
Myriam Nganga – Crackers & Brie
Shyne Adcock – ShyneFest
Inspirational Woman Finalists sponsored by WIB360
Amy Watson – HASSL
Annalice Argyle – TRAC UK | The Recovery Advocates and Consultants
Chris Tuck – Survivors Of aBuse
Dani Wallace – IATQB
Figen Murray OBE – Martyn’s Law campaign
Madelaine Thomas – Image Angel
Nicky Wake – Chapter 2 Dating
Soma Sara MBE – Everyone’s Invited
Suzanne Eldridge – ReFleks
New Business Finalists sponsored by Centre of Excellence
Alex Wilkinson – Venue
Amy Such – Golden Thread Psychology
Elisabeth Carley-Leonard – Vibes and Visibility
Kate Morement – Restore Compliance
Kate Vincent – West Northamptonshire Pickleball CIC
Olivia & Tanyka Davson – cubbi
Rachel Hart-Phillips – LoveLossDiscoballs
Sarah Drake – Elephant In The Room Training
Sarah Schofield – The Safe Woman
Not For Profit Finalists
Amelia Peel – Stable Minds CIC
Dr Penny Trayner – BPM Rehab Ltd & Brains Powered by Music CIC
Gemma Roberts – Hope Prevails Preston
Jillian Alexander – Unbound Programme CIC
Kim Gill – The Big Food Project
Laura Labonne – Romodels
Rachel Mostyn and Camilla Rigby – The Women’s Work Lab
Sarah Kiley – High Five
Retail Business Finalists sponsored by Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics
Amy Lister – Good Bubble
Jennie Bayliss – Letterbox Cocktails
Jesse Dugdale – Lemon and Jinja
Laura Hall – Elizabeth Hall Bridal
Leena Ghandi – GoGiftid
Mairi Hawkes – Slainte Sauces
Maryann Penfold – Boom Sauce
Rachel Marshall – Uniquely Local Experiences
Vicky Elmore Vicky Elmore Kitchens
Sustainable Business Finalists sponsored by Trident
Chantelle Brandwood – Eco Action
Charlotte Liebling – Loved Before
Helen Lord – Rehome
Nancy Irwin – Amaterra
Jessamine Hislop – Little Pickles Markets
Julie Cook – Eco Green Living
Jennifer Donnelly – Svante Studio
Priya Velusami – Pri Pri
Theo Paphitis #SBS Small Business Finalists
Clare Towers – The Foxglove Tree
Frances Williams – The Calmness Crew
Jessica Levett – Floral Lifestyle
Jo Couch – Jo Couch
Julie Littler- The Littler Places
Kirsty Steed – Magic By Post
Sarah Turner – Little Beau Sheep
Sophie Eckley – Nudie Jewellery
Training and Coaching Finalists sponsored by Vanliners
Amanda Charles – The Psychic Psychologist®
Emma Cole – EC Coaching
Helen Tudor – Helen Tudor Online
Kerry Boland – The Growth Coaching Collective
Lyndsey Meredith – The Easiest Choice Publishing
Nicky Anstey – Transform To Perform Coaching
Rachael Leitch – Blackpool & The Fylde College
Rebecca Morley – Third House
Suman Randhawa – Suman Randhawa
Young Entrepreneur Finalists sponsored by Maria Fogg Family Law
Amy Finch – Rise n Design
Ashia Bhatnagar – Bhangra Blends
Bry Bird – Hi This Is Bry – Creative Strategist
Ella Shaw – Ella Shaw’s Academy of Arts
Ellie Woodburn – Ellie W Coaching
Florence Sargent – RED-Scue
Leya Luhar – OSCE Toolbox
Lily Llewellyn – The Extended Family Company
Shantay Roberts – Step Forward Tuition
To find out more about EVAS and SheChain Live, visit www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk.
