EVAS Reception at the House of Commons

A Powerful Celebration of Women in Business at the Heart of Westminster!

On Thursday 19 June, powerhouse women in business joined sponsors, supporters and special guests for an unforgettable afternoon in one of the UK’s most iconic venues – the House of Commons.

The EVAS Reception marked a powerful moment in the journey of our 2025 finalists. More than just a photo opportunity, the event was a celebration of purpose, progress, and the incredible contribution of women to the UK economy.

Finalists from across the UK, from early-stage entrepreneurs to multi-million-pound business owners, came together to connect, share, and reflect on how far they’ve come. With views across the River Thames and a buzz of anticipation in the room, conversations flowed freely, about business growth, barriers overcome, and the bold ambitions that lie ahead.

Hosted by EVAS Founder Coral Horn, the reception brought together an inspiring mix of female founders, industry leaders, MPs, changemakers and our allies who share one common goal: to champion women in business and raise their visibility on every level.

Special Thanks

We are incredibly grateful to our event sponsor, Chris Webb MP, for supporting the EVAS Reception and championing the voice of women in business in Parliament.

A heartfelt thank you to our Guest Speaker, Maxine Laceby, founder of Absolute Collagen, who brought honesty, humour, and powerful insights to the room. Her story truly resonated with everyone present.

We were also honoured to welcome The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who joined us as a special guest and offered his support for the entrepreneurial spirit of the EVAS community.

A huge thank you to our panel of past winners and finalists who shared their own experiences and lessons from the EVAS journey, their words inspired and energised us all.

A Milestone in the EVAS Journey

This prestigious reception is a core part of the EVAS experience; a moment to pause, celebrate and step into the spotlight with pride. It’s also an opportunity for finalists to build new relationships, meet their fellow finalists in person, and gain national exposure ahead of the awards ceremony in Blackpool.

We were delighted to hear from past winners, returning sponsors, and guest speakers who shared powerful stories and words of encouragement, each adding to the atmosphere of pride, possibility and connection.

What’s Next?

Finalists now move on to interviews with the independent judging panel, the public vote, and the countdown to the glittering EVAS 2025 Awards Ceremony at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Friday 26 September.

As always, we’re reminded that EVAS is more than just an awards programme, it’s a movement. One that connects, empowers and celebrates women who are making an impact in business and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Westminster, and to all the sponsors and partners who continue to champion female entrepreneurship.