The West Country once again proved to be a powerhouse of female talent, leadership, and resilience as the West Country Women Awards 2025 celebrated its most successful year yet. On a glittering night at the Crowne Plaza, Plymouth, on November 28, 2025, a sold-out audience cheered on 21 exceptional women who are transforming their communities and industries across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, and the Isles of Scilly.
Record-Breaking Celebration
With an astonishing more than 2,000 nominations, the 2025 awards underscored the incredible depth of achievement in the region. The categories spanned everything from business and STEM to community work, the arts, and the crucial fight against violence against women and girls. The evening was not just a celebration, but also a force for good, raising thousands of pounds for the charity of the year, The Womens’ Centre Cornwall.
Founder Alexis Bowater OBE spoke passionately about the movement: “Every one of our finalists and winners represents the very best of the West Country: women who uplift others, challenge inequality, transform their industries and change lives. Their stories demonstrate courage, innovation, compassion and leadership in action.”
The rigorous, objective judging process, conducted by category sponsors using an established scoring matrix, ensured that only the most impactful contributions were recognised.
Spotlight on the Winners
The winners, drawn from a diverse range of fields, highlight the pivotal role women play in the region’s success:
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Regional Leadership Shines: Fran Hughes, CEO of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, took home the Director of the Year Award (sponsored by Business Fest South West).
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Business Brilliance: The Small Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Vivobarefoot) went to Emma Drummond of EM-MAgination Craft (Devon), while Lisa Haywood of Stutt Associates (Cornwall) was crowned the winner of the Start-up Business of the Year Award (sponsored by The Franchise Consultant).
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Community Impact: Fiona Mahoney of Reminiscence Learning (Somerset) won the Community Award, and the vital Combating Violence Against Women and Girls Award (sponsored by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall) was won by Rebecca Hewitt (Devon).
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Innovation and STEM: The Women in STEM Award (sponsored by Babcock International) was jointly won by Layla Stringer and Claire Strudwick from It Takes a Village CIC (Devon), showcasing critical work in science and technology.
A Movement for Change
The awards are more than just an annual dinner; they are, as Alexis Bowater described, a powerful movement that elevates women and provides a platform for change. The network created by the awards stretches from Taunton down to the Isles of Scilly, connecting thousands of women.
The event was a prestigious gathering, attended by dignitaries including the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, the High Sheriff of Devon, and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, reflecting the importance of recognising female achievement at the highest levels.
The night’s success was underpinned by the support of key partners, including Michael Spiers (Headline Sponsor), PL1 Events (Headline Production Sponsor), and Plymouth Citybus (Platinum Sponsor), whose commitment fuels this region-wide celebration year after year.
“The West Country Women Awards are here to elevate and celebrate women all across the region, providing them with a platform for change and joining a community that stretches from north of Taunton to the Isles of Scilly.” – Alexis Bowater OBE, Founder
Congratulations to all the 2025 winners, finalists, and nominees—you are truly the inspiration of the West Country!
2025 Winners of the West Country Women Awards:
- The Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by PRO Apprenticeships, was won by Honor Lovell from the University of Exeter (Devon).
- The Best Supporting Act Award, sponsored by Genius PR & Events, was won by Clare Farthing of Inspiring Success (Somerset).
- The Combating Violence Against Women and Girls Award, sponsored by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, was won by Rebecca Hewitt from South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership and Teignbridge District Council (Devon).
- The Community Award was won by Fiona Mahoney of Reminiscence Learning (Somerset).
- The Director of the Year Award, sponsored by Business Fest South West, was won by Fran Hughes, CEO of The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (Devon).
- The Diversity & Equality Award, sponsored by The Plymouth Charter and partners, was won by Deborah O’Nyons form NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly ICB (Cornwall).
- The Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson, was won by Anna Potgieter from CareyourWay Franchising (Devon).
- The Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by Simpkins Edwards, was won by Rachel Buckley, Director of The Family Law Company (Devon).
- The Green Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Cavanna Homes, was won by Laura Hudspith from Hiyield (Cornwall).
- The Phoenix Award, sponsored by Ladies Investing Club, was won by Charlie Flounders of Charlie Flounders Photography (Devon).
- The Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Vivobarefoot, was won by Emma Drummond of EM-MAgination Craft (Devon).
- The Start-up Business of the Year Award, sponsored by The Franchise Consultant, was won by Lisa Haywood of Stutt Associates (Cornwall).
- The Women in Arts, Media & Culture Award was won by Eloise Johnson – Mrs Murals (Devon).
- The Women in Digital & Marketing Award was won by Lyssa-Fêe Crump from Hiyield (Cornwall).
- The Women in Education Award, sponsored by South Devon College, was won by Heather Rybaruk from Click2Connect CIC (Somerset).
- The Women in Health, Social Care & Wellbeing Award was won by Chloë-Anne Hammond (Somerset).
- The Women in Hospitality Award was won by Sophie Alway from Georgia’s Voice CIC – The Village Kitchen (Cornwall).
- The Women in Property & Construction Award, sponsored by Ian Williams, was won by Carrie-Anne Martin (Devon).
- The Women in Sport Award was won by Danielle Wyatt from Torquay United FC (Devon).
- The Women in STEM Award, sponsored by Babcock International, was won by Layla Stringer and Claire Strudwick from It Takes a Village CIC (Devon).
