Female Business Award Winners & Runners-up 2024
The Female Business Awards 2024 took place in a vibrant celebration of achievement, resilience, and impact. Recognising women who are leading the way across a wide range of industries, the evening showcased stories of innovation, purpose, and passion. Each award presented was a powerful reminder of the strength and diversity of the female business community—highlighting both emerging talent and longstanding leaders.
Scroll down to view the full list of winners and runners-up.
Product Business Sponsored by The Smart Bear Digital
Makers, reseller of products, via the high street, online, Etsy, NOTHS, Ebay store, Amazon store. EG: fashion, food and drink, pet products, hampers, accessories, skincare
Runner-up – Zaci Creations
The runner-up was loved by us due to the storytelling in the application, from why she started the business, through to the ups and downs over the last few years. Showing resilience, positivity and an openness to try something new, into what is now a business ready for growth next year.
Winner – Crooked Oak Crafts
The winner stood out due to her pride in her products and business, from the amazing reviews she has to the unique products she has. Our independent judge even commented that they had to stop themselves from buying when they were looking online!
Service Excellence Sponsored by Lift Social
Going above and beyond is part of the standard of service these business owners expect, and is a category with just a few points separating everyone and a number of people tied. It was so close, that there were actually two runners up!
Runner-up: Lilac HR
The first runner up showcases what hard work, support and dedication can bring you. Starting her business during a global pandemic, she has grown to a team of 5, and with her industry is clear to see that her advice, guidance and support in what can be tricky times has.
Runner-up: Fabulous Rooms and Ballons
And there is a second runner-up in this category. This business owner clearly knows the importance of service excellence, with over 100 positive reviews, feedback and how she can make an impact to others in times of celebration.
Winner: Nic Gray & Associates
And this ever so close category, the winner is also someone who has been on a journey, has grown her team this year and has worked hard to increase her visibility whilst also being there to support others and her clients.
Professional Services Sponsored by Del Parsons Coaching
This is a really varied category, with businesses supporting their clients with professional advice, support and guidance.
Runner-Up: LMO Bookkeeping
The runner up was loved by all judges, with one stating “I couldn’t love this any more. Knows her audience, knows their pain points which shows commitment and longevity of her business. Her confidence shines through as she addresses what needs to be address…. Boom!”
Winner: Saltire Financial LTD
This winner is really supportive, and when the judges read all the details and feedback, what stood out was that she not only nominated herself, showing confidence and passion.
But also that its clear that she knows exactly how people feel about her area and industry, and addresses that in her messaging and information. It shows a commitment and passion for her sector and her business.
Health, Beauty & Wellbeing, Sponsored by Debbie Grayson Coaching Ltd
This was a really close category, with only a few points separating everyone.
Runner-up: Tattoos by Rianna
The runner-up was praised for the variety of her work, passion for supporting local communities and those with disabilities too.
Winner: Hygge Corner
From passion and energy, to feedback and reviews. The winner of this category knows and is super proud of the change and improvements that can be had in terms of mental health and wellbeing by her clients.
Direct Sales/ Franchise Business Sponsored by Direct Selling Success
Being able to utilise the brand name and support of a head office, whilst also building the business as your own is key to making direct sales and a franchised business flourish.
With this category, our independent judge loved you all. Even going higher than the scoring matrix permitted on occasion as she loved what you are all doing so much.
Runner Up: Tots Play Bexhill & Hastings West
The runner-up is a business owner where the external judge went above the scoring matrix, always one rebel!
The pride that came through her application was easy to see, and her determination for what she wants to achieve and how she can really help those who attend her classes shone through.
Winner: Mini First Aid Shropshire
And now onto our winner. The first word used to describe this business and owner was- wow!
She nominated herself, which is always lovely to see the pride and belief that someone has.
This business owner has taken the franchise model, and just run with it! She now has 3 locations in her business, and shows no signs of stopping!
Sustainability/Planet-Friendly Sponsored by Eco-Able
This is always an interesting and important topic and category, and one that is becoming more thought provoking, as more businesses look to be more eco-friendly and sustainable in a variety of ways – from physical products, to IT usage, reducing their carbon footprint to the usage of consumables.
I’m sure we all want to try and be more eco-conscious, but these Finalists have put themselves forward and showed how they can support others in trying to do more and be better.
Runner Up: Daisy Amour
The first is someone on a mission. On a mission to re-use, and makes all her handbags and accessories herself, creating unique pieces for people to enjoy and express their individuality.
Runner Up: Giftwrapped by Eve
Our second runner-up is also on a mission! On a mission to show how we can provide more eco-friendly gifts, using greener techniques and ideas. With online and in person workshops, she’s spreading the word for eco-friendly gift wrapping.
Winner: Devon Eco Boutique
And our winner is a small business who is encouraging us to re-use, recycle and exchange unwanted items rather than throwing them away.
From their shop in Devon, they also handpick eco baby gifts, stationery and gifts from small, UK based businesses.
Services to Local Communities Sponsored by Barbaken Deli
Lots of love to give back to our communities and local charities, whether that’s through the actual work we do, to fund raising and increasing awareness of initiatives and issues.
Runner-up – The Women of Whitworth Project
Our runner-up does this in so many ways. Starting out in 2018, they’ve raised over £18,000 for local charities and causes, raised awareness about female issues such as period poverty, breastfeeding and the menopause.
They support local families at Christmas, with over 1000 toys distributed to children in 2020, raising funds for tech in schools to aid learning and working with local police to create safe spaces and raise awareness of violence against women and girls. …. Such a great list!
Winner – Tasty Not Wasty CIC
From going from an idea to help feed local families in 2020, to now having a team of 30 volunteers working across 5 days a week, with over 1000 food parcels handed out last Christmas to their local area.
From food support to wellbeing and volunteering events, this winner is really service their local community in a host of different ways.
Coach, Mentor, Trainer Sponsored by Mini First Aid Shropshire
Supporting others is a key aspect of all of our Finalists today, across all categories. But in this category, its what the Finalists do, all day, every day. And it will come as no surprise that this was another hotly contested category, with just 1 judging point separating runner up to winner!
Runner-up – Audrey Mitchell, The Social Coach
The runner-up in this category has amazing energy, excitement and passion in all aspects – from meeting her in person, to seeing her show up online, to the efforts and support she provides people she works with and inspires.
Winner – Anna Green, Direct Selling Success
Our winner this evening is a trailblazer. She’s not only on a mission to help and support other business owners to have the best businesses and be the best business owners they can be.
She’s on a mission to change her entire industry, and make those within it to be ethical and go about things the right way.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Champion
This is a person or business leading the way for diversity and inclusion, in business, the workplace and in life. This category was open to people of all genders, as long as they serve women in business and champion equality for women as part of their diversity and inclusion.
As you’ll see, there is a wide array of businesses and industries here, and it was really amazing to see the depth and support available in this area. This meant that the category was very close to call, so congratulations to all Finalists.
Runner-up – Deborah Lawson
Our runner-up was a very popular nominee indeed, and her work over many years has helped raise awareness of the daily struggles faced by many people.
Her efforts are about making the world a more accessible and inclusive place for all, of which she knows the barriers and obstacles all too well being a wheelchair user herself.
It’s about having the conversations, and all being open to making the world inclusive for all.
Winner – Mini First Aid
And now to our winner, who in their business has introduced a diversity and inclusion champion to make sure that all training is kept up to date and relevant.
In their industry it may not seem obvious at first, but to those completing their training, knowledge of how to spot potential problems quickly, and how different issues affect people of different skin tone can mean a huge difference in treatment.
They’ve also introduced specialist attachments so people can learn and be confident giving CPR to women.
Her business is committed to making first aid relevant to all communities and helping save more lives.
Creative Business
To be a business owner we all have to be creative in some way, but this category is shining the light on some fabulous owners who use their expertise to help us look, feel and show up as great!
Runner Up: Julie Harris Photography
Our runner up is someone who is brilliant at what she does, but has also been confirmed with ADD and realised she was an introvert this year, which all made sense to her struggles of being visible herself, even though she helps her clients have images to help their branding and marketing.
The independent judge loved her photographs, and passion for what she does.
Winner: Teal Fox Designs
Our winner is someone who is developing her brand, thinking outside of the box to grow her business whilst providing something different for her clients.
From a passion of bringing ideas to life, and transferring client ideas into reality.
A whole heap of 5 star reviews and loads of support for other small businesses…
Marketing/ Social Media Campaign
Promotion is one of the key elements for all businesses, so with this category we wanted to celebrate those that have led the way with campaigns or initiatives that have stood out or tried something different.
Runner Up: Pink Fizz Social
Our runner up is someone who hasn’t let bullies, trolls or others stop her in being herself, showing up, supporting others to do the same and sharing how they can do this within their businesses.
She is a huge supporter of small businesses, and wants everyone to have the confidence to get out there, and be themselves in order to succeed.
Winner: Becky Field
And now to our winner. This was for a special campaign, which showed her fun side, that she doesn’t take life too seriously and also to make sure that during a time when we are often product shopping, that you can also be visible and present in people’s minds as a service based business.
She was definitely great fun to follow on social media, and showed our winners fun personality during December.
New Business Sponsored by Female Business Network
This was another super close group, with many of the Finalists being on equal scores. Across the board, ourselves and the independent judge kept saying ‘go for it’, and ‘yes, love the energy!’.. Honestly, the awards could have been given to any number of the group, so well done to you all.
Runner-up – Calibre Virtual Assistant Services Ltd
This owner received high marks from all judges, and was highly praised throughout the process.
But, it was pointed out about the growth she has seen in such a short space of time, and support she shows to others on Linkedin, with few connections and a goal of what and how she wants to grow further and really set her business apart from others in the industry is exciting to see.
Winner – Random Panda
Our winner was called ‘superb’ by an independent judge, and across the board praised for knowing exactly who her ideal client is, her messaging and visibility being on point to these potential clients, overcoming a big change and challenge this year, and has ensured that her packages are what her audience wants and needs
Growth Business Sponsored by: Nic Gray & Associates
A new category this year, to celebrate those businesses who are expanding, taking a risk at times, and growing through service and product excellence.
Runner-up – Hushabye Hands
Our runner-up isn’t a new business, but was taken over by the current owner not thatlong ago.
The business has gone through a rebrand, providing new classes, offering CPD accredited workshops and helping early years settings support deaf children or those with additional needs and those learning English as a second language.
Plus, they are about to move into a new permanent venue as well. Not bad growth for 12 months since taking over!
Winner – RJF First Aid Ltd
Along similar paths as the runner up, but this entrepreneur has not only expanded into 3 locations, with 3 business franchises set up in 2 years – going from 5 schools in 2022, to 19 schools and trained over 1600 children in first aid.
This year she set up a limited company, securing a massive NHS contract in the process, and now has a team of 7.
Changemaker/ Innovator
Who’s making waves, stepping outside of the box, being unique and bringing new and innovative ideas for their industry? As this was such an inspiring category, we again have 2 runners up.
Runner-up – The Big C Coach
Using her own story to help others and turn it into something positive, working with charities and communities to provide hypnosis and support, as well as raising awareness of how a cancer diagnosis can impact on mental health.
Being an inspiration and motivation for others going through this diagnosis, and through talks and presentations, being featured in a book and in other mediums, she wants to raise awareness of these additional impacts having a diagnosis can have.
Runner-up – Debbie Grayson Coaching
And the second runner up is someone who is on the campaign trail to doctors, the medical industry and patients on how reflux is currently managed.
Alongside her business, she is using her platform, knowledge and story of the tragic death of her sister to raise awareness of how PPi’s, which is a combination of medicines to reduce stomach acid production, can cause other issues.
Winner: Eco-Able
Our winner is leading the way to help show how products can be made more sustainable and changing the way we consume books.
They have their own range of children’s books to showcase this, which are all made sustainably in the UK, without plastic lamination and on 100% recycled carbon paper.
Being innovative in the making of their product, and working on changing how the industry and us as consumers can help to be more planet-friendly.
Lifetime Legend/ Hall of Fame
Celebrating those women who have gone above and beyond over the years, leading the way for other entrepreneurs and women to follow.
