Venus Awards Devon announce 2014 finalists
The finalists for this year’s Natwest Venus Awards Devon were announced this week at a sumptuous cream-tea event.
More than 70 guests and sponsors attended the prestigious afternoon held at The Deer Park Country House Hotel, near Honiton. They were invited to network with each other and the press and to interact with their own and other sponsors: and celebrate their success so far.
The awards were launched in April 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.
Sponsor Harriet Harrison of Sandler Training, whose category is Employer of the Year said: “We’ve been delighted to be involved and have met some really remarkable business women as we get closer to the final stage of the awards.
"Finalists from within our category have exemplified solid leadership skills. They understand that their staff are their greatest asset and the key to achieving short and long-term business goals.
"Taking the time to understand your staff as individuals, investing in their development, working out their motivational drivers and encouraging them to reach their own goals all help to create a successful, thriving business and a positive working environment.”
The Venus Awards recognise the efforts and talents of local businesswomen and are split into 14 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.
The glittering red carpet final of the Venus Awards Devon will be held on 21 November at Exeter University’s Great Hall.
The list of Finalists in the Natwest Venus Awards Devon 2014 are:
Sampson Hall Business of the Year
Julie Pogson – Exeter Maritime Services Ltd
Wendy Winter – LMS Highways Ltd
Sara Flint – Bluebird Care (Exeter) and (East Devon)
Bishop Fleming Entrepreneur of the Year
Fiona Jackson – Pollyfields
Rachel Passmore (Bloom) - Lafeenoire Maternity
Di Wastenage - Wastenage Farms Ltd
Green Business
Nicole Flanagan - Vagabonds Milkshake Bar
Tess Stuber - Beach Schools South West
Shelly Monk - Surplus Rescue CIC
Paloma Hermoso – The Tiny Marmalade
Joanna Winterburn – Running Deer CIC
Home Based Business
Sue Cade - In The Right Order
Sharon Goble - If... Media Ltd.
Alison Theaker - The Spark
Linda Dillon - Boswell Farm
Emma Tellesy - Independent consultant for Arbonne
Leading Women UK Influential Woman of the Year
Jane Maynard - Maynard Johns Chartered Accountants
Jo Smallbones - Ladies Do Latte Business Networking & Jo Smallbones Image Consultant
Tania West - Kairos leadership development
Local World Ltd Inspirational Woman
Caroline Bramwell - The Olden Group
Niki Cunningham - The Harry Cunningham Trust
Wendy Harrington - Wendy Harrington
Atkins Ferrie Lifetime Achievement
Marilyn White - Otter Nurseries Garden Centre
Sally Allen-Gerard - Glamour2Go Ltd T/A WIZARD JEANS
Jane Maynard - Maynard Johns Chartered Accountants
Stones Solicitors LLP New Business
Donna Baker - HERE FOR A POUND LTD
Ellie Greensmith - Elk Salon
Cath Harris - Drive Creative Studio
Plymouth Science Park New Media & Online Business
Louise Pasterfield - Sponge UK
Rebecca Garrett - Rebecca Garrett Media
Phillippa Goodwin - The Essential Personal Assistant Ltd
NatWest Small Business
Jenny Cowling - Cowlings Ltd
Gillian Groves - The Treatment Loft
Maureen McAllister - McAllister and Co
PUBLIC VOTE CATEGORIES:
Business Mother of the Year Finalists:
Claire Morgan Hughes – Devon Fit Camp
Emma Tellesy – Independent consultant for Arbonne
Wendy Brogan – Genesis homes and gardens / Genesis vintage interiors
Customer Service Finalists:
Sarah Page – Fidelius Insurance Services Ltd
Mary George – Bishop Fleming
Claire Morgan Hughes - Devon Fit Camp
Emma Richards – Cherub Chews
Pradnya Apte – Revitalise Rejuvenate
Employee of the Year Finalists:
Morag Rowse – Beaconville nursing home
Samantha Wise – Scanstrut Ltd
Maggie Seager – The Creation Station
Employer of the Year Finalists:
Nicole Flanagan – Vagabonds Milkshake Bar
Mike Hesketh – The Exeter Dental Centre
Sarah Page - Fidelius Insurance Services Ltd
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