The Winners! The region’s winning businesswomen announced at the 9th Annual Enterprise Vision Awards

Sixteen businesswomen from the North West battled intense competition at The Winter Gardens on Friday to win a prestigious Enterprise Vision Award.

Izzy Arrieta of Dean Taylor Bathrooms (Small Business), Sara Dewhurst of Sandgrown Ventures (New Business), Amy Bateman of Amy Bateman Photography (Solo Business), Holly Shafiq of The Phlebotomy Centre (Young Entrepreneur), Louise Wood of Mortgages By Louise Wood (Financial Services), Victoria Stott of Victoria Stott Design (Creative Industry), Zoe Fleming of Vincents Solicitors (Professional Services), Alison Magee-Barker of AJ Lakes Consultancy (Training and Coaching), Kirsty Mackenzie of Lakeland Inns (Hospitality Industry), Chrissy Thomas Griffin of The Lingerie Lounge (Customer Services), Codilia Gapare of C-Lash (Beauty Business), Melissa Toland of Time For You (Health & Wellbeing), Helen Pritchard of Helen Pritchard Online (Internet Industry), Maura Jackson of BACKUP North West (Inspirational Woman), Suzy Spencer of Ron Spencer Cycles (Retail Business) and Kate Stewart of Vitality Homes (Business Woman) are now the proud owners of a highly sought after 2019 Enterprise Vision Award.

Four further talented businesswomen went on to receive recognition for their work: Grace Vella of MissKick (Young Entrepreneur ‘One To Watch’), Michelle Wilkin of Lakeland Retreats (Customer Services ‘Highly Commended’), Catherine Best of Best at Solutions CIC (Training and Coaching ‘Highly Commended’) and Leona Marsh of Marsh Mill Interiors (Creative Industry ‘Highly Commended’).

The EVAS are the largest and most impressive business awards dedicated solely to women outside London. The awards champion women in business and shine a spotlight on their enterprise and innovation. From home workers to CEO’s of multi-national companies, the awards empower women and encourage others to fulfil their aspirations.

The region’s leading ladies lit up Blackpool brighter than the Illuminations as business leaders and influencers gathered to enjoy a spectacular evening hosted by Rosie Dummer of C4’s Extreme Cake Makers.

Over 650 guests attended the EVAS to recognise the outstanding achievements of women in business in the region. A reception featured a specially created EVAS pink gin cocktail featuring Lytham Gin by Ginception offered guests an opportunity to expand their business and network with like-minded women. Entertainment was provided by The Voice UK’s Hayley and Geno Eccles, a female saxophonist and games courtesy of Odin Events. This was followed by a delicious banquet dinner by Campbell and Rowley and a sparkling awards ceremony which honoured the region’s trailblazers.

Coral Horn, Founder of the EVAS and Pink Link Ladies said “The EVAS spread an inspirational message that women of all ages can be successful entrepreneurs. Each year, the EVAS gets bigger and better. This year, we’ve cried, laughed and been awestruck by the excellence of these talented women. They made it harder than ever for the judges who were impressed by their passion, determination and zeal.”

The awards were broadcast live enabling friends and family across the world to watch the awards. #EVAS2019 trended as EVA fever lit up social media as the awards were announced.

Heather Waters, Enterprise Manager at NatWest, said: “The EVAS are without question a brilliant way to celebrate the successes and achievements made by women in business from across the North West.  The Alison Rose Review into Female Entrepreneurship highlighted the need for relatable role models and NatWest’s continued support of the EVAS as Headline Sponsor for the seventh year, shows that we are committed to resolving this issue by highlighting the great work being done by female entrepreneurs. We congratulate all of the winners and nominees, and hope they had a fantastic night celebrating."

As the awards drew to a close, one final award was announced. The Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award which was awarded by NatWest was won by Manchester’s Susanna Lawson of OneFile. From launching her business from a bedroom, OneFile now provides e-portfolio and learning hub services to the police force, the NHS and colleges and universities across the UK.

Melissa Conlon, Commercial Director of AMRC North West said “We are delighted to sponsor the Small Business Category at this year’s Enterprise Vision Awards, supporting and encouraging female entrepreneurship. It was obvious from the quality of applications, that the women in the North West are a force to be reckoned with in terms of creativity, drive and passion for their businesses.”