Devon Venus Awards 2015 winners announced

The winners of this year’s Devon Venus Awards 2015 have been announced at a glamorous red carpet event in the county’s capital.

More than 250 guests and sponsors attended the awards ceremony held at the University of Exeter’s Great Hall with winners whittled down to the 12 categories from more than 1,500 nominations in the county this year.

Each winner was announced and given their awards following a sumptuous meal and entertainment from ladies singing group, Yours in Harmony.

The Venus Awards recognise the efforts and talents of local businesswomen and are split into 12 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.

As seen in the roll call of winners, this year’s sponsors in Devon are testament to the wide appeal of the Venus Awards. Charity sponsor of this year’s Devon Venus Awards was Children’s Hospice South West.

Alexis Bowater, Regional Partner for the Devon Venus Awards, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my first year as regional partner of the Venus Awards. I’ve truly loved every minute of it. It has been a remarkable year with some extraordinary women being celebrated for their achievements. I am so proud of everyone who entered and of course those who won.”

Sponsors and nominees have enjoyed a variety of events throughout the year which have reflected the upbeat, joyous celebratory mood of the Venus Awards.

Marc Astley of The Exeter Daily, sponsor of the Employee of the Year award, said: “The Exeter Daily has thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring the Devon Venus Awards this year. We are proud to support the region’s businesswomen and it was great to see everyone celebrating at the ceremony. We'd like to say a big congratulations to all the winners and to those who were nominated!”

Artist Becky Bettesworth of Becky Bettesworth and this year’s winner of the Business Mother Award said: “I am bowled over, stunned and proud to be the winner of this Award. The evening has been a fabulous, glitzy affair, extravagant and fabulous. To be involved with Venus has enabled me to stop and reflect on what I have achieved and grow in confidence.”

The deserving winners of the Devon Venus Awards 2015 are:

Small Business Award
Rebecca Lippett – The Umbrella Group

Customer Service Award sponsored by Brend Hotels
Karen Chugg – Intelligent Abodes Ltd

Entrepreneur of the Year
Laura Wall – Laura Wall Art

Heart Business Mother of the Year
Becky Bettesworth – Becky Bettesworth

Employee of the Year sponsored by The Exeter Daily
Louise Pen-Collings – Extra Help Ltd

Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management
Pauline Guifoyle – Silvalea Limited

Inspirational Woman Award sponsored by the University of Exeter School
Ellen Rodger – Sungift Solar Ltd

Digital Media and Online Business Award sponsored by Plymouth Science Park
Louise Pasterfield – Sponge UK

New Business Award sponsored by Wizard Jeans
Sarah Yates – Wellies

Employer of the Year sponsored by Natwest
Louise Arnold – Peninsula Care Homes Ltd

Director of the Year – Bishop Fleming
Julie Hawker – Cosmic

Business of the Year sponsored by Sampson Hall
Kathy Murdoch – Ocean Kave & Westward Living