Meet The Judging Panel

At the Enterprise Vision Awards, we’re proud to have an independent and diverse panel of judges who are just as passionate about supporting women in business as we are.

Our judging panel is made up of brilliant people from all kinds of sectors, from founders and CEOs to industry experts and changemakers. They bring a wealth of experience, insight, and enthusiasm to the table, and many say that judging the EVAS is a genuine pleasure. The process is transparent, thoughtful, and professionally run, and they love being part of it.

Entries from each category are reviewed by a panel of three judges. Finalists are invited to an online interview where they are independently scored by different members of the panel to keep things fair and balanced. Our judges dedicate hours to reading through submissions, exploring links, and really getting to know each finalist before their online interview.

We always remind our panel to be the kind of judge they’d like to be judged by; supportive, curious, and there to help every woman shine.

Many of our judges come back year after year, inspired by the stories, drive, and innovation of the women they meet. We’re incredibly proud of the integrity and care they bring to the EVAS.

As more judges submit their bios, we’ll share their profiles below, there’s lots more to come! Scroll down to meet the amazing people who help bring the EVAS to life!

Harriet Hastings, Biscuiteers

Entrepreneur Harriet Hastings co-founded Biscuiteers with her husband, Stevie Congdon, with the mission to offer a more unique and thoughtful gifting solution and create a whole new sector in the personalised gifting market. They are also co-directors of leading London catering company Lettice Events. Harriet is also a founder member of

Buy Women Built which was founded to shine a light on brilliant brands built by women. You will also find Biscuiteers in leading retailers in UK and beyond including Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Liberty. The corporate arm of the business works with some of the world’s biggest brands including Christian Dior, Porsche, AMEX and Coca-Cola. You can visit Biscuiteers at the world’s first Biscuit boutique and Icing Cafe in Notting Hill in London.

Christine Nichols, Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics

Christine Nichols is the Co-Founder of Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics, a leading British logistics business with operations across the UK, USA, and Ireland. Since 2000, she has helped shape the company’s reputation for delivering innovative, end-to-end global supply chain solutions across diverse industries including healthcare, aerospace, and e-commerce.

With a passion for quality, sustainability, and community impact, Christine also leads the Group’s charitable arm, Unity in Community. In 2024, Atlantic Pacific won the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and Christine was honoured with the EVAS Outstanding Achievement Award.

Andrea Fogg of Maria Fogg Family Law

Andrea Fogg is a Director and Senior Manager at Maria Fogg Family Law, helping lead the growth of the award-winning family-run practice alongside her sister Charlotte. Under their leadership, the firm has grown from a small local business into one of the UK’s leading specialist family law firms, recognised nationally for excellence.

Deeply rooted in the community, the firm is committed to supporting vulnerable families, working closely with organisations that assist victims of domestic abuse and those involved with Children’s Services. Known for its compassionate, client-focused approach, Maria Fogg Family Law combines legal expertise with genuine care, ensuring access to quality representation for those who need it most. The firm holds a Specialist Quality Mark and has built a reputation for excellence, professionalism and protecting children and families through some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

Jess Littlewood, Group Communications Director, Theo Paphitis Retail Group & #SBS Small Business Sunday

Jess has experience in Communications and Events across the Entertainment, Charity, B2B, Small Business and Retail sectors. This includes working on brands such as Classic FM and LivingTV, and setting up a PR function for a B2B business from scratch.  Jess has worked as Group Communications Director for TV Dragon and entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis since 2016.

Her focus covers communications for the whole Theo Paphitis Retail Group including brands such as Robert Dyas and Ryman, as well as for Theo’s media, TV, events and charity work.  Jess also runs #SBS Small Business Sunday – a leading free UK network of almost 4,500 small businesses – managing everything from day-to-day operations to running the annual event.  Never a dull day!

Alison Sudbury, Alison Sudbury Consulting

Alison Sudbury is a C-suite growth, brand and commercial leader who has helped transform and scale some of the UK’s most recognised businesses. Her career includes leadership roles with brands such as Yeo Valley Organic, Clarks, Müller and Mars, where she has driven growth, brand development and commercial performance across multiple sectors.

Today, through Alison Sudbury Consulting, she works with founders, leadership teams and scaling businesses to unlock growth, sharpen their proposition and build brands with lasting commercial value. Alison brings extensive expertise in brand strategy, customer growth, digital transformation and business scaling, together with a passion for championing ambitious entrepreneurs and purpose-led businesses.

Darren Whelpton-Smith

Darren is a Senior Board-level commercial leader with 20+ years’ success in driving profitable growth across E-commerce, Retail, and Wholesale for founder-led, private equity, and PLC businesses. Brands that Darren has worked for have been, GANT clothing, LEVI’s, Timberland, Fat Face to name a few. With a proven track record of delivering double-digit revenue growth, leading high-performing teams, integrating acquisitions, and driving digital and customer-first transformation across premium lifestyle, fashion, and building materials sectors. Highly strategic, financially astute, and passionate about building winning cultures and customer-centric operations

Fiona Lambert

Fiona Lambert, is renowned as one of the UK’s leading businesswomen, having held board roles at Next, George at Asda, Dunelm, River Island and most recently Managing Director of Jaeger at M&S, where she led its celebrated reinvention.

At 60, she made a pivot, setting herself the goal of getting into the best shape of her life, determined to break stereo-types of aging and is now a twice published author, public speaker and content creator. With a rapidly growing social media profile on @Fionalambertofficial, Fiona has become a role model and advocate for ‘It’s never too late, and you’re never too old.”

Amy Lancaster-Hall, Bowker Motor Group and Porsche Centre Preston

With over 20 years in automotive marketing, Amy is a Chartered Marketer and Group Marketing Manager at Bowker Motor Group. She leads marketing across Porsche Centre Preston and Bolton, alongside BMW, MINI, Chery, Changan & Lepas and is recognised for award-winning campaigns and a strong commitment to community and cultural impact.

Michael Dugdale, Trident Utilities

Michael Dugdale is Managing Director of Trident Utilities, an award-winning energy consultancy helping businesses embrace net zero while improving their carbon footprint, profitability, and brand value.

A hands-on leader, Michael is passionate about customer service excellence, a passion reflected in Trident’s multiple awards for best customer service. Away from the business, he’s a keen marathon runner, golfer, cyclist, and an avid Blackpool FC supporter. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Michael has even shaved his head and bleached his hair peroxide blonde, all in the name of fundraising for deserving causes.

Shalom Ijeoma Lloyd MBE

Shalom is an award-winning British Nigerian entrepreneur, pharmacist and business leader with almost 30 years’ experience across the pharmaceutical and consumer sectors. She is the Founder of Naturally Tiwa Skincare, a sustainable skincare brand empowering African women, and Chief Strategy Officer at Emerging Markets Quality Trials (eMQT), improving diversity and access in global clinical research.

She also serves as General Manager of The Body Shop Nigeria, helping bring the iconic beauty brand to Nigeria and West Africa for the first time. Passionate about ethical business, sustainability and inclusion, Shalom is a TEDx Speaker, Honorary Professor of Professional Practice at the University of Buckingham, Department for Business and Trade Export Champion, and mentor.

In 2024, Shalom was awarded an MBE in The King’s New Year Honours List for services to International Trade and Women in Business.

Janine Rees of Vanliners

Janine Rees is Director of Vanliners, a family-run business specialising in high-quality light vehicle conversions for businesses and tradespeople across the UK. Since joining the business in 2012, Janine has played a pivotal role in driving growth, helping to expand production and establish Vanliners’ bespoke Centre of Excellence in Wigan.

Following the passing of founder Dave Rees in 2024, Janine has continued to lead the business with the same passion, commitment to quality and customer-first approach on which it was built. Under her leadership, Vanliners continues to support hardworking professionals with practical, durable vehicle solutions designed to improve efficiency and productivity on the road.

Amanda Long, Brabners

Amanda Long is an Associate Family Lawyer with Brabners, a full service, purpose-led independent law firm proudly anchored in the North with national and international reach.

Based at Brabners’ Lancashire office, Amanda provides expert and specialist family law advice to individuals on divorce and dissolution proceedings and associated financial claims; private law child arrangements disputes and advises separated unmarried couples in resolving property claims and disputes.

Mark One of BPM Rehab

Mark One is an internationally renowned DJ, music producer and Co-Founder of BPM Rehab, a pioneering social enterprise using music, creativity and culture to support people facing barriers to education, employment and wellbeing. Alongside a successful career performing worldwide and working with artists including Texas, Mark has dedicated his time to creating opportunities for young people and underserved communities.

Through BPM Rehab, he delivers innovative programmes that build confidence, develop skills and inspire positive change. By harnessing the power of music and creative engagement, the organisation helps individuals unlock potential, improve wellbeing and create brighter futures. Passionate about social impact, inclusion and community transformation, Mark continues to use his platform to make a meaningful difference through both business and music.

Ashley Walker  Health & Safety Consultants North West – HSE Advice UK

Ashley has worked in the safety industry for over 15 years set up her own consultancy in 2021. As Managing Director of HSE Advice UK, a health and safety consultancy based in Lancashire, she works with organisations on their compliance activities across the UK.

Ashley is also a Non-Executive Director of the Lancaster and Morecambe District Chamber of Commerce advocating for local businesses, she is an EVA’s winner for Customer Services in 2025 and brings a finalist’s perspective to the judging panel.

Fiona Hull, Construction Q

Fiona Hull is the founder of Construction Q, an RICS-accredited Quantity Surveying Practice with offices across the North. Starting with nothing but her expertise and determination, Fiona has built CQ into a standout in the construction sector.

The 2023 Enterprise Vision Awards Best Business Winner, CQ now handles prestigious projects including a £30m scheme and counts Channel 4 and premiership footballers among its clients. CQ also champions community impact and charity work. Fiona’s dynamic leadership, clear values, and sense of fun have made CQ a go-to brand and a thriving, future-ready business.

Charlotte Fogg of Maria Fogg Family Law

Charlotte Fogg is Director of Development at Maria Fogg Family Law, where she has helped drive the growth of the award-winning family-run practice while staying true to its values of compassion, integrity and access to justice. Today, the firm is recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialist family law practices.

Committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, the firm works closely with organisations assisting victims of domestic abuse and those involved with Children’s Services. Known for its client-focused approach, Maria Fogg Family Law combines expert legal advice with genuine care, providing accessible representation through both Legal Aid and private funding options. The firm is recognised for excellence in legal services, client care and protecting children and families during challenging times.

Tim Mitchell of Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside

Tim Mitchell is Senior Development Manager at Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside, an independent charity that champions local giving to address disadvantage across the region. Since 2007, the Foundation has distributed over £16 million to grassroots organisations and community led initiatives.
Tim works closely with business leaders, donors, and partners across the North of England to develop strategic partnerships that drive meaningful social impact. He is a strong advocate for inclusive growth, supporting initiatives that empower women and promote equality of opportunity, helping to build more resilient and thriving communities.

Helen Taylor, Glazey Days

Helen Taylor is the proud creator of Glazey Days Ceramic and Life Cast Studio, an award-winning business dedicated to bringing wholesome fun, creativity, and connection into people’s lives. Her mission is to help clients create lasting memories through hands-on artistic experiences, whether it’s painting pottery or capturing a moment in a life cast. Helen’s passion for her craft shines through in everything she does—from the joyful experiences she creates for families and individuals, to the support she offers other aspiring entrepreneurs. As a mentor and trainer, she shares her expertise with others in the industry, empowering them to build their own creative businesses and spread joy through art.

David Blakeney, Phygital Retail

David is a highly respected retailer with over 35 years’ experience in store development, design, innovation, and property. He held senior roles at Allders, Arcadia, and spent 25 years as Group Store Development Director at House of Fraser. Now Founder and MD of Phygital Retail, he works with brands like Radley, Sook, Gieves & Hawkes, Agent Provocateur, Kurt Geiger, and Aspinal. David is Club Secretary and honorary officer of the Twenty Club, a speaker at retail conferences, and has judged the Drapers and Retail Week Awards. He also co-founded the House of Fraser Charity Day, raising £2.3 million over 15 years for numerous causes.

Jane Knight of Successful Mums Career Academy

Jane Knight is the Founder and CEO of Successful Mums Career Academy, an award-winning organisation that has helped more than 12,000 women gain confidence, develop new skills and return to work through funded career advice, training and employer partnerships.

After facing the challenges of returning to work as a mother herself, Jane founded Successful Mums to help women realise their potential and access meaningful career opportunities.

An award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and careers expert, Jane is also an EVAS Board Member and Co-Founder of the Women’s Employability Forum. She is passionate about championing women in the workplace and ensuring the skills gained through parenting are recognised and valued by employers.

Laura Davies, Marshall Harmony

Laura Davies is the Founder and Managing Director of Marshall Harmony, a recruitment business supporting manufacturing and engineering companies to solve problems through people. With 26 years’ experience in recruitment, Laura is known for her honest, people first approach and for challenging the traditional perception of the industry.

She founded Marshall Harmony with her “why” at the heart of the business, naming it after the middle names of her two children. Laura is also the host of the Hire Me… Maybe? podcast, an #SBS Small Business Sunday winner, a best selling author, and a passionate supporter of Women with Metal and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Richard Shakespeare

A multi-award-winning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practitioner, Chartered Manager and respected strategic leader, Richard brings a wealth of expertise gained across multiple industries and sectors. Known for turning ambitious ideas into meaningful action, he has built a career championing equity, driving culture transformation and helping organisations create environments where people and businesses can thrive.

With a talent for designing and delivering organisation-wide initiatives that create measurable change, Richard has partnered with senior leaders to embed equity into processes, behaviours and systems, ensuring inclusion is not just a conversation but a catalyst for success. His experience spans stakeholder engagement, policy development, leadership coaching, data-driven decision-making, and working across diverse cultures and communities.

Sarah Epsom of Sarah Epsom Ltd

Award-winning artist and designer Sarah Epsom is the founder of her homeware and stationery brand. Launched five years ago during maternity leave as a means for mindfulness, Sarah transitioned from working as a TV producer in advertising to building a business inspired by nature. With sustainability at the heart of her ethos, her beautifully crafted, eco-conscious designs can now be found in high street retailers and are featured on leading platforms like Happy Place, Buy Women Built, and the Lifestyle Gift Card.

Sarah is connected to the EVAS community, having won the Creative Industry category in 2025, alongside her achievement as a Theo Paphitis #SBS winner earlier that year. With her business scaling including a recent major publishing licensing deal, Sarah is honoured to return to the EVAS as a judge. Sarah is passionate about empowering fellow female entrepreneurs and supporting people with big dreams.

Alison Colley of Hope’s Therapy Dogs

With lived experience, professional expertise and a passion for ethical Animal Assisted Intervention, Ali Colley is the Founder and Director of Hope’s Therapy Dogs, a multi award-winning organisation supporting children, young people and adults across schools, healthcare and workplace settings.

A Certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist and Dog Trainer, Ali has grown Hope’s Therapy Dogs from one little girl’s vision into a respected service supporting more than 1,500 children across the North West. Her work has received national recognition, including winning the BBC Make a Difference Animal Award and winning Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year at the Enterprise Vision Awards 2025.

Inspired by her daughter Hope’s legacy, Ali champions safeguarding, animal welfare and meaningful mental health support.

Allison Hill of Trident Utilities

Allison Hill is Head of Marketing at Trident Utilities, an energy and sustainability consultancy that helps organisations reduce costs, manage energy risk and progress towards their net zero goals. With more than 12 years’ experience in marketing, Allison leads brand, demand generation and growth strategy, helping to align marketing activity with commercial growth.

Having built her career across a range of industries and progressed into senior leadership roles, she is passionate about supporting women in business, championing professional development and encouraging others to pursue ambitious careers on their own terms.

Iain Pilling, United Utilities

Iain has nearly 30 years’ experience at United Utilities across roles including Customer Services, Income, and Regulation. As Area Engagement Lead for Lancashire, he builds strong relationships with communities, councils, and partners to support collaboration and maintain UU’s trusted reputation. United Utilities provides water and wastewater services to the North West, with a purpose to deliver great water for a stronger, greener, healthier region. The company is driving its largest infrastructure investment in over a century, shaped by customer needs. A leader in service, UU has supported over 330,000 households, earned 100,000+ WOW Award commendations, holds ISO 22458 for vulnerability, and is accredited by the Institute of Customer Service with Distinction.

Ann Seach of Liberty360

Ann Seach is a dynamic CEO, Senior Practitioner Coach and Business Mentor, with 14+ years of international experience with a track record of leading through periods of transformation. Ann is Co-Founder of a successful, award-winning, multi-service business, Liberty360, offering Technical Authorship, Coaching, Mentoring & Consultancy for personal and business development, Graphic Design & Animation Services. As a leader with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ann is recognised for her collaborative leadership, ability to navigate complex business environments and is dedicated to building sustainable organisations that deliver both financial results and meaningful social impact.

Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council

Jane Hugo is a passionate advocate for social change and community impact. As CEO of Streetlife, a Blackpool-based charity supporting vulnerable young people, and Deputy Council Leader at Blackpool Council, Jane is dedicated to tackling homelessness and driving inclusive policy.

Winner of the 2018 Enterprise Vision Awards Outstanding Achievement Award, Jane was recognised for her tireless leadership, compassion, and commitment to giving young people hope and opportunity. Her work continues to influence local services and national conversations, championing those often left unheard and building a brighter future for the community.

Joe Makepeace, Nybble

Joe Makepeace is part of the Leadership Team at Nybble – an award-winning, values-led IT and technology company empowering businesses through Managed IT, Cybersecurity, AV, Software, and AI solutions.

As proud sponsors of the Enterprise Vision Awards and champions of inclusive innovation, Nybble recently launched Bytesize – a suite of fixed-cost, enterprise-grade digital services designed specifically to support small businesses. The team at Nybble is committed to making technology accessible, jargon-free, and socially responsible.

Joe is honoured to serve as a judge for the EVAs, celebrating the incredible women who are driving progress, purpose, and positive change across the UK.

Louise Walden-Edwards, VO:ICE Fitness & Wellbeing Academy

Louise Walden-Edwards is a former Team GB British and International Ice Dance Champion, award-winning entrepreneur and Founder of VO:ICE Fitness & Wellbeing Academy, which won Best New Business at the Enterprise Vision Awards in 2025.

With more than 30 years’ experience in elite sport as both an athlete and coach, Louise is also a respected TV figure skating commentator, educating millions of viewers worldwide. Through her academy, she is breaking down barriers to sport and exercise, supporting everyone from beginners to elite athletes while championing inclusion, diversity and opportunities for women in sport.

Maxine Laceby, Absolute Collagen

Maxine co-founded Absolute Collagen with her daughter Darcy in 2017, turning a kitchen-table idea into an award-winning, £30m brand within three years. As innovators of the liquid collagen category, they became one of the UK’s fastest-growing D2C businesses and ranked 4th in The Times Top 100.

With no prior business experience, Maxine went from full-time mum to boardroom leader, using life skills and resilience to drive success. She describes Absolute Collagen as an emotional brand backed by science, empowering customers to feel their best and do spectacular things. Her journey has made her a powerful inspiration to women and aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Preeti Choudhary, Pro-Business Consulting

Preeti Choudhary is the Founder & CEO of Pro-Business Consulting, a UK-based firm specialising in regulatory affairs for MedTech and pharma. With 16+ years’ experience, she’s an expert in EU MDR/IVDR, UKCA, FDA, and global strategy. An award-winning leader and Commonwealth 75 honoree, Preeti helps companies worldwide achieve faster market access with safety and compliance.

In April 2025, she joined the EFCLIN Board, shaping future regulatory and product innovation in eye care. A passionate advocate for women in STEM and inclusive healthcare, she mentors emerging professionals and champions ethical, accessible innovation to save lives.

Gareth Morris of Classic Lodges

Gareth Morris is Group Sales Manager for Classic Lodges Hotels, leading business development for conferences, meetings, events, and group accommodation across a portfolio of distinctive independent hotels. With over 20 years’ experience in hospitality and customer service, he is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and building lasting client relationships. 

Gareth is also actively involved in the Lancashire business community through his work with Pink Link, EVAS, and the Male Allies initiative, supporting excellence, collaboration, and recognition across the region.

Kathryn Morement of Restore Compliance

Kathryn is a board-level leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth, operational excellence, and compliance across the construction, environmental, and building safety sectors.

As Co-Founder and Director of Restore Compliance, she has a proven track record of building high-performing teams, navigating complex regulatory environments, and delivering customer-focused solutions that drive sustainable business growth and industry-leading standards

Lee Chambers, Male Allies UK

Lee Chambers is the Founder and CEO of Male Allies UK. With a background in corporate finance and tech, he now helps organisations engage men in inclusion and allyship. He’s featured in the Startups 100 Index, won a Great British Entrepreneur Award, and sits on the boards of CMI Women, Regenerage UK, and MMU Business School. In 2024, he received the Freedom of the City of London for services to equality.

He’s a Kavli Fellow of the US National Academy of Sciences and the first Black British scientist to be honoured in its 33-year history. Named UN Women Changemaker of the Year in 2023, he’s an ambassador for the UK Lilac Review. A global speaker on allyship and author of Momentum: 13 Ways To Unlock Your Potential, Lee inspires action on inclusion and intersectionality.

Lily Newman of Morgan James Consulting

Lily Newman is a Behavioural Strategist and Founder of Morgan James Consulting, specialising in leadership development, executive coaching and behavioural change. A founder member of Act4Africa, she has helped shape initiatives supporting vulnerable girls and women across Sub-Saharan Africa.

She also founded The Frontline Project, empowering severely wounded ex-service personnel to rebuild confidence and inspire others through their stories. Lily has worked with organisations including Urban Bubble, Roche, Leeds University Business School, Novartis, the World Food Programme and Workwell Global. She is passionate about developing authentic leaders and creating high-performing, people-centred organisations.

Tom Smith, CEO and Founder, Complete

Tom is the CEO and Founder of Complete, an award-winning, full-service digital agency operating in Lancashire and Dubai. Tom has more than 24 years of industry experience and previously worked as Head of Web before founding Complete in 2009. 

Tom is the driving force behind Complete, enabling us to support clients with all aspects of digital marketing. As an agency, we have achieved excellent results for clients, including 700% traffic increases, 300% conversion lifts, and 1,388% ROI gains in SEO.

Tom is extremely passionate about seeing clients succeed in their industries. Alongside this, he places great emphasis on building a strong company culture and fostering community engagement.

Robert Binns, Cotton Court Business Centres

Robert Binns is a dynamic serial entrepreneur and investor, passionate about innovation across the tech, digital, property, and energy sectors. As CEO of Cotton Court Business Centres, he drives growth and champions collaboration across the North West. Robert also co-founded For Your Curls, an award winning haircare brand offering bespoke solutions for curly hair, now sold across the UK and Europe.

Alongside his business ventures, he is committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, mentoring start-ups and emerging businesses to help them succeed. Robert holds various roles across the region, including Founder, Non-Executive Director, member of Preston’s Towns Fund Board, Lancashire Constabulary Community Ambassador, trustee of the DWF Foundation, Lancashire Chair at Downtown in Business, board member of Preston Partnership, and Chair of the Lancashire Early Stage Investment Board.

Rose Watkins, Centaur Training Services (North West)

Rose Watkins is the Managing Director of Centaur Training Services (North West) Ltd, a leading training provider based in Leyland. A registered nurse working in mental health with the NHS, Rose is also passionate about charity work and global outreach. She founded Centaur in 2003 to help others through first aid and safety training.

Now a thriving limited company, Centaur delivers a wide range of courses including First Aid, Health & Safety, Mental Health, and more. Rose is proud of her expert team; firefighters, paramedics, NHS staff, and teachers, who bring real-life experience to every session. Centaur blends professionalism with personality, helping people gain life-saving skills and confidence, with a few good stories along the way.

Rosie Dummer

​Rosie Dummer, known as Rosie Cake-Diva, is a celebrated cake artist, presenter, and former Army helicopter pilot – the first female Apache helicopter pilot in the British Forces. After leaving the military to raise her family, she discovered a passion for cake design, which led to a remarkable career.

Rosie gained national recognition on Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers and has created show-stopping edible sculptures, including life-sized elephants and royal tributes. With over a million followers online, she shares her artistry and humour through tutorials and live events. Rosie is a sought-after speaker and host around the world, inspiring audiences with her unique journey from cockpit to cake stand.

Sara Jones, Centre of Excellence

Sara Jones is the Founder and CEO of Centre of Excellence, one of the UK’s leading online learning platforms, providing accessible education to hundreds of thousands of learners worldwide. An award-winning entrepreneur and EVAS2021 Internet Industry Winner, Sara has built a global business that combines innovation, technology and education to help people develop new skills, careers and opportunities.

In 2025, she was recognised by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme as one of the entrepreneurs leading a business identified as having unicorn potential. Passionate about growth, lifelong learning and female entrepreneurship, Sara continues to champion accessible education while scaling a business with international reach and impact.

Jilly Bell, Marsden Building Society

Jilly has worked in financial services for over 16 years and now oversees the growth of the Marsden’s business-to-business proposition. Her role is to help businesses, and their employees, make the most of their money through Business Deposit Accounts and Workplace Savings Schemes.

Passionate about financial well-being and resilience, Jilly builds strong relationships with businesses in Lancashire and the Northwest, using her expertise to engage with key stakeholders about their financial goals and their vision for employee well-being.

Simon Truby, Business Finance North West and Business Enterprise Fund

Simon Truby is Senior Investment Manager at Business Finance North West, where he specialises in impact-focused lending that helps local SMEs start, grow and thrive. With 24 years’ banking experience at institutions like RBS, Lloyds and Yorkshire Bank, Simon brings deep financial expertise and a passion for supporting business communities. His earlier career in retail and hospitality gives him a grounded, practical understanding of the challenges small businesses face, making him a trusted partner for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Steve Sorah, Trident Utilities

Steve Sorah is Sales and Marketing Director at Trident Utilities, where he ensures that every conversation and campaign is focused on delivering value for customers and the planet.

With over 20 years’ experience across both energy consultancy and supply sectors, Steve previously specialised in sales training and transformation, supporting global organisations to achieve growth through customer-centric strategies. Returning to the energy sector in 2024, he now combines his passion for sustainability with commercial excellence. A supporter of Blackpool FC and Lancashire County Cricket Club, Steve is also a keen tennis player and golfer.

Heather Waters, Greater Manchester Growth Hub

With over 30 years B2B experience, Heather Waters, Access to Finance Network Manager at the Greater Manchester Growth Hub, is passionate about supporting businesses and has built a wide knowledge of the enterprise ecosystem and its supporting organisations & networks both nationally and regionally. She’s a recognised and skilled connector who builds relationships with internal & external stakeholders and has collaborated with public, private and third sector organisations. This has been key to the success of the many partnerships, pilots and programmes she has created delivered and supported.

Supporting, guiding, championing and celebrating success has been the key driver and passion throughout her career, whether this is with entrepreneurs, with colleagues or through community projects.

Alison Allen of Sparks HR

Alison Allen is the Founder and Managing Director of Sparks HR Consultancy Ltd, bringing over 25 years’ experience in HR, leadership development, workplace culture and organisational change. A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, accredited mediator, coach and workplace menopause specialist, Alison works with organisations to create inclusive workplaces where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

Alison has developed the Sparks Menopause Inclusion Transformation Programme and a suite of CPD Accredited menopause programmes, including Menopause Awareness for Colleagues, Menopause for Managers, and Menopause Champion training. She was recently recognised as Winner of the 8th International Women Entrepreneur Awards 2026 in the Workplace Culture and HR Transformation category and is delighted to support the judging process in recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements.

Helen Arthur of Ask Helen

Helen Arthur is the Founder of Ask Helen and an Emotional Wellness Coach, Edu-Therapist and Personal Development Coach with more than 25 years’ experience helping women navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence and resilience.

Alongside her private practice, she delivers leadership and behavioural development programmes for major organisations in the automotive sector. She is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and accredited Edu-Therapy Trainer.

A long-standing Pink Link Ladies member, Helen is passionate about helping female entrepreneurs thrive personally and professionally. She believes successful businesses are built by women who feel supported, connected and emotionally well, making it a privilege to join the EVAS judging panel.

Aimee Heaton of Ready Aim Succeed Coaching

Aimee Heaton is the Founder of Ready Aim Succeed Coaching Ltd and creator of the From Past To Purpose® framework, helping women overcome the impact of trauma, rebuild confidence, and create meaningful personal and professional change. An award-winning trauma-informed coach, speaker, and astrology guide, Aimee combines evidence-based coaching approaches with deep expertise in human behaviour, mindset, and personal development.
Following a successful leadership career spanning the charity, commercial, and membership sectors, Aimee now works with individuals, organisations, and community groups across the UK, delivering coaching, training, workshops, and speaking engagements. She is passionate about helping people recognise their strengths, overcome barriers, and step into their potential, while supporting businesses and communities to create psychologically safe, values-led environments where people can thrive.

Karen Thom of The Foundation Studio

Karen Thom has over 25 years’ experience across global fashion retail, buying, sourcing and commercial leadership, with an international career spanning the UK, Europe and Asia.

Alongside her work in fashion, Karen is also the founder of The Foundation Studio, where she works with women on communication, behavioural patterns, self-relationship and personal transformation. Known for her observational insight and honest approach, her work focuses on helping women understand the patterns underneath behaviour and create lasting change in both life and relationships. Karen is also the host of the Finding Foundations podcast, where she uncovers the stories behind people, businesses and brands, exploring the experiences and defining moments that shape the paths we take.

Join us at the Awards Ceremony on Friday 2 October. New for 2026 - SheChain Live Thursday 1 October - putting women at the centre of the supply chain.