A business that puts women’s safety at the heart of its mission has won a major award.
The Safe Woman Ltd, founded by women’s safety advocate and motivational speaker Sarah Schofield, was crowned Best New Business of the Year at the In-Cumbria Business Awards.
The extraordinary achievement comes just 11 months after the official launch of the business.
The ceremony, sponsored by H&H Insurance Brokers Limited, celebrated outstanding organisations and leaders across Cumbria, with The Safe Woman Ltd taking home the new business of the year award.
The Safe Woman was born from Sarah’s personal experience: a victim of crime.
Let down by the police, and left without support for what came next.
Instead of remaining silent, she turned her traumatic experience into a mission to transform the way women learn, practice, and experience personal safety.
The award is a huge milestone for Sarah, who was overjoyed to win.
“I was genuinely overwhelmed and completely lost for words – literally the first time that’s ever happened,” she said after receiving the award. “This is proof that good things can come from bad things. Winning New Business of the Year 2025 will help me elevate The Safe Woman to a wider audience and support more women across the UK and beyond. The more we talk about women’s safety, the more change we create.”
Sarah is excited for the next chapter of The Safe Women, whose services are vital especially at this time of year.
“I’m excited to continue sharing The Safe Woman with the UK, I’ve just finished some exciting contracts in London and am looking to work with even more larger businesses.”
“This award means more than anyone will ever know,” she added. “To every woman who has attended a Safe Woman workshop and helped me in this journey – you know who you are, and you are all amazing.”
1. Never Walk or Run Alone in the Dark
Whether you’re heading to the gym or going for a winter walk, avoid going out alone. Bring a friend, join a running group, or take your dog. If you must go solo, tell someone exactly where you are going and when you expect to return.
2. Use Free Tracking Apps for Peace of Mind
Free apps like WalkSafe+ provide live crime updates, safe spaces and location tracking. WhatsApp also has a “Live Location” feature, share your location for 15 minutes, 1 hour or 8 hours with someone you trust so they can track your route in real time.
3. Never Wear Earbuds or Headphones in the Dark
You lose a huge part of your situational awareness when you can’t hear. Stay alert, keep your head up, and walk with confident body language.
4. Change the Name of Your Phone
Updating your phone’s device name on Bluetooth prevents strangers from locating it in public spaces. Rename your device to something that doesn’t identify you.
5. Stick to Well-Lit Routes — Avoid Parks, Woodlands and Empty Spaces
Dark shortcuts may seem convenient, but they remove witnesses and visibility. Choose lit streets, busier routes and populated areas. Stay aware in car parks and never walk close to vans. If something or someone feels “off”, trust your gut, change direction and seek help.
For more information about The Safe Woman training, corporate programmes or speaking engagements, visit: https://thesafewoman.com/
