A record number of women from across the South West have been recognised for their achievements after more than 2,000 nominations were received for this year’s West Country Women Awards.
The semi-finalists were announced during a celebration event held on Friday, September 19, at Somerset County Cricket Club. More than 2,060 names were put forward across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, highlighting contributions in business, community, sport, culture and public life.
Categories range from Small Business of the Year to Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls, with honours also recognising achievements in education, hospitality, health and the arts. Headline sponsors Michael Spiers and PL1 Events, together with platinum sponsors Plymouth Citybus, are supporting the awards this year.
Director Alexis Bowater OBE said: “Every year, we are blown away by the calibre of nominations and the incredible stories we hear. These awards exist to celebrate and elevate women across the West Country, and today’s semi-finalists are already making history in their communities and workplaces. We are thrilled to recognise their achievements.”
The next stage will see finalists announced at Powderham Castle on Thursday, October 16, before the Grand Final Gala Dinner and Dance in Plymouth on Friday, November 28.
The Awards are also raising funds for The Women’s Centre Cornwall, chosen as Charity of the Year, which supports services for women and girls across the region.
