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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.