The journey to celebrate the West Country’s most influential and inspiring women reached a pivotal stage on Friday, September 19, 2025, as the West Country Women Awards unveiled the highly anticipated list of 2025 semi-finalists. The announcement took place at a joyful cream tea event at the picturesque Somerset County Cricket Club.
A Record-Breaking Year
The Awards continue to grow in scale and significance, receiving a record-breaking 2,060 nominations this year. This extraordinary response shines a bright light on the remarkable impact women are making across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset—from vital community initiatives and grassroots efforts to groundbreaking leadership in industry and public life.
Director Alexis Bowater OBE praised the immense talent on display: “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.”
Diverse Talent Across 17 Categories
The semi-finalists represent the true strength and diversity of the region, excelling in categories supported by key sponsors like Headline Sponsors Michael Spiers and PL1 Events, and Platinum Sponsor Plymouth Citybus.
Highlights from the Semi-Finalist List:
Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls
The list includes powerful advocates such as Rebecca Hewitt from South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership and Teignbridge District Council, and Mel Sevieri from Trevi, highlighting the critical work being done to support and protect women in the region.
Apprentice and Employee Excellence
- The Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Pro Apprenticeships) showcases emerging talent, with semi-finalists from institutions like the University of Exeter (Honor Lovell, Suzanne Payne) and City College Plymouth (Abigail Durrell).
- In the Employee of the Year Award (sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson), Anna Potgieter of CareYourWay Franchising and Alyson Maguire of Simpkins Edwards LLP are among those recognised for their outstanding contributions within their organisations.
Pioneering Business and Digital Leaders
- The Green Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Cavanna Homes) features women leading sustainable change, including Laura Hudspith from Hiyield.
- The Women in Digital & Marketing Award includes Lyssa-Fêe Crump (Hiyield) and Hayley Parker (Flame Marketing LTD), proving the West Country is a hub for digital innovation.
Community and Leadership
- Fran Hughes of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is a semi-finalist for the Director of the Year Award.
- The Community Award sees women like Fiona Mahoney (Reminiscence Learning) and Davina Cull (Devon Rape Crisis) moving forward, demonstrating incredible dedication to social good.
The Road to the Grand Final
The women announced in Taunton now progress to the next stage of the judging process. The competition timeline is now set:
- Finalists Announcement: Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the historic Powderham Castle.
- Grand Final Gala Dinner and Dance: Friday, November 28, 2025, in Plymouth.
This year, the Awards are also proudly fundraising for their Charity of the Year, The Women’s Centre Cornwall, supporting vital services for women and girls across the region.
The entire West Country awaits the next stage, ready to celebrate these extraordinary women and their continuing success!
