Who will win the National Venus Awards?

The Venus Awards National Final takes place on the 23 January.

The Devon Regional winners will compete against more than a hundred other Venus Award Winners from around the country. This sold out event is being held at the Audleys Wood HandPicked Hotel in Basingstoke. 

Established in 2009 as the Langtry Manor Business women awards to reward local hard working women, they quickly expanded and rebranded as the Venus Awards and have recognised tens of thousands of inspirational women across the country.

Spearheaded locally by Celia Delaney of Speaking Success, the awards drew nominations of more than 2,000 businesswomen in the county. “It’s been an astonishing year for women in business in Devon, reflected in the support and enthusiasm for the Venus awards.

Our county winners are incredibly talented businesswomen and I am sure Devon will be walking away with a fair share of national awards,” says Celia.

Tara Howard – the Founder of the Venus Awards said, “The National Final is the jewel in the crown of the Venus Awards calendar.   The best of the best come together for a day of appreciation and admiration.    What is different about the Nationals is they all arrive as winners already.”

The regional winners, representing Devon, and their sponsor at the National Finals, fought off competition from thousands of nominations:

Devon’s winners 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 and her 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 - and beyond - 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 London 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.