Venus Awards announce semi finalists

Excitement is building for this year’s Natwest Venus Awards Devon with the announcement of the semi-finalists at a packed awards ceremony in Exeter.
More than a hundred women attended the event at the city’s award-winning restaurant Lloyd’s Kitchen, which provided complementary canapés for the nominees and has supported the awards from the beginning.

Lloyd Gardner, owner, said: “I’m honoured to hold these events, I am always looking to support local businesses and entrepreneurs like myself. I’m looking forward to working more with the Venus Awards in the future.”

The Venus Awards recognise the efforts and talents of local businesswomen and are split into 15 categories covering all aspects of business and personal achievement.
This year more than 2,000 women were nominated for the awards in Devon.

Jon-Paul Hedge, editor of Exeter’s The Express and Echo who sponsor the Inspirational Woman category said: “It’s been fantastic to see such positive stories from across Devon, the paper has been delighted to be involved in such a prestigious event and we look forward continuing to support women in business and the big final at Exeter’s Great Hall in November.”

The public vote for some of the categories begins on the 18th September and the glittering red carpet final of the Venus Awards Devon will be held on 21st November.

Semi-Finalists Devon 2014
Business of the year:
Sara Flint Bluebird Care (Exeter) and (East Devon)
Helen Jarvis Roofing Supplies (SW) Ltd
Julie Pogson Exeter Maritime Services Ltd
Wendy Winter LMS Highways Ltd
Jane Maynard Maynard Johns Chartered Accountants

Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants Entrepreneur of the year:
Donna Baker HERE FOR A POUND LTD
Rebecca Garrett Rebecca Garrett Media
Fiona Jackson Pollyfields
Rachel Passmore (Bloom) Lafeenoire Maternity
Di Wastenage Wastenage Farms Ltd

Green Business Award:
Nicole Flanagan Vagabonds Milkshake Bar
Paloma Hermoso The Tiny Marmalade
Tess Stuber Beach Schools South West
Shelly Monk Surplus Rescue CIC
Joanna Winterburn Running Deer C.I.C

Home Based Business Award:
Sue Cade In The Right Order
Sharon Goble If... Media Ltd.
Alison Theaker The Spark
Linda Dillon Boswell Farm
Emma Tellesy Home Based Business

Leading Women UK Influential Women of the Year:
Caroline Bramwell The Olden Group
Shirley-Anne Fison The C Group
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 Women of the Year:
Caroline Bramwell The Olden Group
Niki Cunningham The Harry Cunningham Trust
Wendy Harrington Wendy Harrington
Lisa  Portman  Thermalogica Health Screening
Terri  Bainbridge Thermalogica Health Screening
Martha Wilkinson Devon Community Foundation

Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management Lifetime Achievement Award:
Marilyn White Otter Nurseries Garden Centre
Sally Allen-Gerard Glamour2Go Ltd T/A WIZARD JEANS
Jane Maynard Maynard Johns Chartered Accountants
Stephanie Walshe The Plum Consultancy
Stella West-Harling ASHBURTON COOKERY SCHOOL

Stones Solicitors LLP New Business Award:
Monica Boudville Virtual Jet Centre Limited
Ashley Petrons Make it Marketing
Donna Baker HERE FOR A POUND LTD
Ellie Greensmith Elk Salon
Cath Harris Drive Creative Studio

Plymouth Science Park New Media & Online Business Award:
Donna Baker HERE FOR A POUND LTD
Phillippa Goodwin The Essential Personal Assistant Ltd
Rebecca Garrett Rebecca Garrett Media
Louise Pasterfield Sponge UK
Rachel Passmore (Bloom) Lafeenoire Maternity

NatWest Devon Small Business Award:
Jenny Cowling J Cowlings Ltd
Phillippa Goodwin The Essential Personal Assistant Ltd
Gillian Groves The Treatment Loft
Maureen McAllister McAllister and Co
Claire Robinson Extra Help