Venus Awards winners 2014

WINNERS of this year’s Natwest Venus Awards Devon were celebrating last night after one of the most glittering events in the annual business calendar.

More than 350 people enjoyed the event at Exeter University’s Great Hall with winners whittled down to the 14 categories from more than 2,000 nominations in the county this year.

Each winner was announced and given their awards following a sumptuous meal and entertainment.

The Venus Awards recognise the efforts and talents of local businesswomen and are split into categories covering all aspects of business and personal achievement.

The founder of the Venus Awards, Tara Howard, set up the awards to recognise businesswomen across the UK. Established in many regions such as Dorset and now Devon, the awards may extend further west next year following requests from businesswomen to bring the awards to their town.

Devon organiser Celia Delaney of Speaking Success said: “It has been a remarkable year with some extraordinary women being celebrated for their innovation, determination, ability to run their personal and business lives with such aplomb. We are very grateful for what they put into their businesses and into their communities.

“I am so proud of everyone who entered and of course those who have won. The number of women who were entered for awards is testament to how much women like to be recognised for their achievements - and we are absolutely delighted to help them to do so.”

The deserving winners of the Natwest Venus Awards Devon 2014 are:

HEART FM Business Mother of the Year - Emma Tellesy, Independent Consultant for Arbonne. Emma Tellesy is a proud 30 year old mother, pilot and independent consultant for Arbonne International. Emma is a keen photographer, enjoys reading and sewing and loves spending time with her sons.

SAMPSON HALL Business of the Year - Julie Pogson, Exeter Maritime Services Ltd. Julie is a proud business owner, passionate about British manufacturing, believing Devon has some of the best skilled craftsmen. With over 20 years in finance, manufacturing and maritime her focus is on people, ethics and working to the highest standards.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Award - Sarah Page, Fidelius Insurance Services Ltd. Sarah is a Director of Fidelius Insurance Services Ltd - a company which specialises in providing bespoke insurance solutions for companies and individuals. Sarah actively mentors her staff to realise their potential and encourages them in their career goals.

THE EXETER DAILY Employee of the Year - Maggie Seager, The Creation Station. Maggie inspires others to have the belief and confidence to achieve their goals and dreams. Maggie is dynamic, driven and professional, believing passionately in the work that she does and is proud to provide support to our network.

SANDLER TRAINING Employer of the Year - Nicole Flanagan, Vagabonds Milkshake Bar. Nicole is a proud independent businesswoman, committed to providing a high quality product as well as providing a fun, relaxed, friendly environment within her establishment, which is a direct reflection of her personality.

BISHOP FLEMING Entrepreneur of the Year - Fiona Jackson, Pollyfields. Pollyfields is run by Fiona Jackson, who established the business in Kent in 2000, originally preparing and designing furnishings at a client’s venue or home. Family support has been important in helping the business to develop and Fiona says that everyone has done their stint in the workroom, with her father making the scented oils. Fiona anther family moved to North Devon in 2008 and now Pollyfields employs eight people in dedicated workshops at Twitchen Farm.

GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS - Tess Stuber, Beach Schools South West. Beach Schools South West is an outdoor learning company dedicated to learning on the shoreline. They provide a service to schools, organisations, holiday clubs, community groups and families teaching children curriculum-based subjects on the beach with an environmental twist. They hope that the passion of their Beach Schools Leaders will transfer to the younger generation and enable them to be more aware of environmental issues that affect our marine environment and to learn to be able to protect the world around them. They plan to stimulate the next generation of marine environmental champions and give every child in the westcountry access to learning on the beach. Judged by NATWEST.

HOME BASED BUSINESS AWARD - Linda Dillon, Boswell Farm. Boswell Farm has evolved beyond recognition during Linda’s 20 year tenure. Four Star; Gold Award Cottages; Green Tourism Gold; Pilates Studios; Matwork and Equipment; Counselling Practice location; Retreat Venue. Unique, adaptable Boswell for hire. Stay well, feel well, be well, Boswell. Judged by NATWEST.

LEADING WOMEN UK Influential Woman Awards - Tania West. Kairos leadership development. Tania ‘brings out the Gold’ in the leaders she works with globally. She has been described as a laser coach who gets to the heart of issues, an inspiring conference speaker and a catalyst for transformation in the WILD programme she founded for women in leadership.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN Award - Caroline Bramwell, The Olden Group. Caroline is an unstoppable businesswoman and mum. ME of a PR and Marketing Consultancy, Graphic Design Studio and Events Company. And a newbie Triathlete to boot! She has a wealth of business acumen and skilled marketing expertise.

ATKINS FERRIE WATLH MANAGEMENT LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Sally Allen-Gerard, Glamour2Go Ltd T/A Wizard Jeans. For 30+ yeas Sally ran her marketing/publicity agencies with major blue chip clients working with President Clinton, David Frost and many more. In 2009 Sally created Wizard Jeans now with global sales and distribution and a new fashion outlet in Torquay.

STONES SOLICITORS LLP New Business Award - Ellie Greensmith, Elk Salon. Ellie is a grounded yet driven and focussed individual whose self belief has helped overcome many challenges to realise a long standing personal ambition of opening her own successful, high quality, independent salon.

NATWEST Small Business of the Year - Gillian Groves, The Treatment Loft. Gillian is privileged to be the owner of The Treatment Loft at Darts Farm. Having previously managed Apas in the UK and USA for entrepreneur Peter de Savary, she purchased the day spa in 2007. She has spent the last 7 years nurturing the business.

PLYMOUTH SCIENCE PARK New Media and Online Business - Rebecca Garrett. Rebecca Garrett is the founder of the business. Having run a similar business in Londond for 20 years, Rebecca sold the business and moved down to Devon with her family. Three years ago she decided to set the business up again.