Once again the response to this year’s Dorset Venus Awards has exceeded all expectations with 521 nominations and 358 applications received in one or more of the 15 categories.
The Awards celebrate the vital contribution that women in business make to the local, regional, and national economy. In Dorset this year nominees and applicants will be competing in up to 15 categories. Dutton Gregory has continued to support the 'Small Business' category for the past six years.
Two new categories have been introduced in Dorset this year – Inspirational Woman in Technology (STEM disciplines) and Musical Talent.
The Awards are unique in that anyone can nominate a friend, client or family member.
Tara Mussell, Co-Founder of software company Ratio, Sponsor of the Digital Media and Online Business Award and herself a Venus Awards National Winner for 2016, says of their support,
“This year Ratio is sponsoring the Digital Media and Online Business Award, which has turned out to be a really diverse and exciting category. It was very difficult to whittle the nominees down to just five semi-finalists, but the chosen five have very impressive businesses and are a real showcase of passionate, working women in Dorset.”
Sue Murphy, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Dutton Gregory, says,
“This is our sixth year of supporting women in business through the Venus Awards. Each year the calibre of entry received in our Small Business category continues to grow, making my job as a judge harder and harder! I'm so excited for our Semi-Finalists and wish everyone the best of luck for the Finals."
Talbot Heath School is sponsoring the ever-popular Business Mother of the Year Award, one of two categories that are voted for by the public.
Charity sponsor for the Dorset Venus Awards 2016 is BOO whose aim is to help African children who are disadvantaged through economic poverty.
The Venus journey will culminate in a glamorous Ceremony and Gala Dinner to be held at Bournemouth International Centre of Thursday 20th October 2016.
Congratulations to all the Semi-Finalists, who are:
Tigerlilly Nails New Business of the Year
- Ali Dolphin – Mindful Solace Ltd
- Sarah Kent –
- Sam Savage – South Coast Events
- Tracey Verrall – Nu Vo Hair and Beauty
- Sue Weller – Furry Feast
Mercedes-Benz of Poole Influential Woman of the Year
- Rebecca Anstey – UK School of Modelling
- Jaya da Costa – Dorset Blind Association
- Sally Harvey – AOK Rucksack Appeal
- Amanda Jenner – Potty Training Academy
- Rossana Mead – Musica Musica and Wellbeing
Dutton Gregory Small Business of the Year
- Julie Awtley-Weston – Chilly b Soap Company
- Rebecca Woolford – Rebixit Consulting
- Mandy Fitzmaurice – Purple HR
- Michelle Nova – La Nova Studios
- Hollie Power – Forever Gorgeous
Bournemouth University Inspirational Woman of the Year
- Sophie Cook – Sophie Cook
- Samantha Everard – Roses and Garters Ltd
- Margaret Hannibal – Supporting Bereaved Children
- Sally Harvey – AOK Rucksack Appeal
- Tracey Verrall – Nu-Vo Hair and Beauty
Ratio Digital Media and Online Business of the Year
- Karina Grassy – Slumbersac Trading Co. Ltd
- Georgina Hurcombe – LoveLove Films
- Emily Hyland – Bright Horizon Cloud Accountants
- Arabella Lewis-Smith – Salad Creative
- Eve Rykaczewska – Supreme Baby Limited
Talbot Heath School Business Mother of the Year
- Michelle Bartlett – Live Laugh Love Ladies Club
- Mojgan Noorian Bellamy – Mojgan Bridal Couture
- Kate Bolton – Ma Bolton
- Michelle Davies – WeClick Media
- Nicole Dawson – Do You Hear the People Sing?
- Glenda Erdroff – Glenda Erdroff Financial Consultant
- Paulina Fordham – Capital School of English
- Miriam Phillips – Bright Daisy Publishing Ltd
- Kerry Pocock – Make a Space
- Sofie Scott – Ash Elite
Playgolf Bournemouth Networker of the Year
- Dawn Cook – Dorset Women in Business
- Zelda De Hollander – Studio Shotz Photography
- Jo Huey – LoveLove Films
- Lorna Trent – Parrot
- Danielle Vrettos – Just For You Designs
Christchurch Jewellers Entrepreneur of the Year
- Kate Atkinson – Bridal Reloved Franchising Ltd
- Eve Rykaczewska – Supreme Baby Limited
- Georgina Hurcombe – LoveLove Films
- Denise Wright – Janine Pattison Studios Ltd (JPS)
- Lucinda Bilboe - BOXXX
Fizz Benefits Musical Talent Award
- Carley Dawson – BeeCreative Company
- Nicole Dawson – Do You Hear the People Sing?
- Helen Jenkins – Helen Jenkins
- Rossana Mead – Musica Musica and Wellbeing
- Jenny Oag – Jenny Oag
Photo courtesy of Zelda De Hollander of Studio Shotz Photography
