News / News
Women in Business award winners announced
The leading business women of Bristol and Bath have been honoured in this year’s Women in Business Awards at a ceremony held at Bristol City Centre Marriott.
Vashti Seth, founder of microloan charity Deki, was named Woman of the Year for her work providing funds and business training to people in developing countries so they can start businesses and contribute to economic growth. The charity is currently crowd funding to change lives across Africa using the microloan model under a campaign called #OneThousandLives.
“It was a such an honour to win the award and a great surprise too,” Vashti commented. “There were so many amazing women at the event and it was a real privilege to be among them.
“As a woman in the UK we are extremely lucky to have such great opportunities. This award has come off the back of my work in Africa where we create opportunities for women to work their way out of poverty and never have to rely on charity again. Women all over the world need to be celebrated for their hard work and determination to overcome gender inequality. I’m proud to be part of this movement both here and in the developing world.”
Other finalists included: Lucy Ackland, an engineer with Renishaw who is inspiring more women into the field; Mel Bound, founder of This Mum Runs; Margaret Hook, who has been running a pioneering programme to detect early signs of dementia through her Banwell Village Pharmacy; and Angela Hicks for her support of start-ups in her role as chief executive of the North Somerset Enterprise Agency.
Open Bionics added another trophy to the cabinet with Samantha Payne securing Young Entrepreneur of the Year, while Denise O’Leary won New Business of the Year for her marketing agency, Purpol Marketing Ltd.
Image – Vashti Seth of Deki.
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
