Meet The Judging Panel

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.

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

Amy Lancaster-Hall is a Chartered Marketer and the Group Marketing Manager at Bowker Motor Group. She oversees marketing for Porsche Centre Preston and Bolton, together with the Group’s other premium automotive brands of BMW, BMW Motorrad and MINI. With a career spanning 20 years in automotive marketing, she has earned industry accolades, including Porsche, BMW and MINI manufacturer marketing awards. Amy is passionate about community engagement and recently led Porsche Centre Preston’s partnership to reintroduce a symphony orchestra to the city after a 60-year absence, reflecting her commitment to cultural and social impact. Her strategic vision and creative leadership continue to elevate brand experiences across the North West.​

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aimee Heaton of Ready Aim Succeed Coaching

Karen Thom of The Foundation Studio