The 2025 Women in Business Awards, recognise and celebrate the achievements of women making a significant impact across their industries. This year’s winners and finalists have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and leadership, whether by building successful businesses, driving change in their sectors, or overcoming challenges to achieve success.

From entrepreneurs breaking new ground to established leaders shaping the future, these awards honour the talent and determination of women in business in the UK today.

Our 2025 Women in Business Awards Winners

As the Businesswoman of the Year, Lagom Hem founder Martyna Ryder is recognised for her work in sustainable consumption. Her platform facilitates the resale of second-hand and imperfect furniture, reducing waste while providing affordable, eco-friendly options. With funding secured for expansion, Lagom Hem continues to promote circular economy initiatives.

Eden Consultancy NI’s Rebecca McCullough wins Young Businesswoman of the Year for her efforts in supporting neurodivergent children and families. Her consultancy develops training programs, advocates for inclusive policies, and works with the youth justice sector to improve outcomes for neurodiverse individuals, driving long-term change.

At Identity Creates, co-founders Adobera Ejikeme and Nokuthula Hatoongo have made their mark in multicultural marketing, earning them the Startup Businesswomen of the Year title. In two years, they have developed a six-figure agency that collaborates with global brands such as McDonald’s and MTV, focusing on authentic representation in campaigns. Their work aims to shift industry standards towards meaningful engagement with diverse audiences.

As the Marketing Businesswoman of the Year, Zoe Merchant, Bright has developed agile marketing strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes. Her leadership at Bright has helped clients, including Informa Pharma, achieve record-breaking attendance figures and revenue growth through adaptable, data-driven marketing campaigns.

Teleperformance’s Rachel Robinson is awarded the Leadership Award, recognising her 31-year tenure in public sector services. As the first female board member in 1994, Rachel has played a key role in expanding Teleperformance’s public sector division. Under her leadership, major clients like HMPO and NHS Blood Transplant have remained with the company for over two decades, reflecting her ability to build long-term relationships and drive operational success.

Carly Wilson Estates founder Carly Wilson is named Property Businesswoman of the Year for her success as an independent estate agent. Having launched her business in 2022 with no external funding, Carly quickly established herself in the industry, rapidly growing her monthly sales. Her focus on client service and market expertise has supported her transition from a partner agency to a fully independent brand with a growing presence.

Clearwater Swimming Pools Ltd receives the Business Growth Award, recognising its expansion under new leadership. Originally joining as an administrator, the awardee advanced to director and part-owner, taking a hands-on approach to operations. Despite economic challenges, the company strengthened client and supplier relations, securing over £3 million in contracts for 2025-2026 and significantly increasing turnover.

Lyfebites LEMP founder Amber Idumwonyi earns the Non-Profit Businesswoman of the Year award for her work in increasing accessibility to tech careers. Through training programs, including the ISTQB syllabus for software testing, Amber has provided individuals in Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal, Ghana, and Ukraine with the skills needed to enter the tech industry, supporting career growth and economic empowerment.

The Health & Wellbeing Businesswoman of the Year award goes to Affirm LGBT’s Laura Scarrone Bonhomme for her contributions to transgender healthcare. She has trained over 400 clinicians across 12 countries, ensuring that trans and non-binary individuals receive informed, supportive care. Her academic contributions, including co-authoring a gender-affirming therapy guide, reinforce her role in inclusive mental health support.

The Uplift Academy’s Ousha Demello wins Remote Working Businesswoman of the Year for her work in digital education. Transitioning from a full-time lecturer to an independent entrepreneur, she has built a best-selling publishing company and created training programs to help others establish sustainable online businesses.

Finally, RegMetrics’ Dr. Rita Hendricusdottir receives the Women in Tech Award for her contributions to regulatory technology. As the CEO of an Oxford University spinout, she has led the development of AI-powered tools that simplify medical device compliance, improving efficiency and safety in the regulatory landscape.

KZ Organics founder Kloe Avon is recognised with the Triumph Over Adversity Award for turning personal health struggles into entrepreneurial success. After contracting long COVID, she was forced to leave her humanitarian aid work but refused to let adversity define her future. Instead, she built KZ Organics, a skincare brand catering to sensitive skin, now featured in major retailers like Debenhams. Her journey exemplifies resilience, transforming challenges into a thriving business with a meaningful impact.

2025 Women in Business Awards Finalists

• Puja Mehra, 99Home – Property Businesswoman of the Year
• Zoe Merchant, Bright – Consultancy Businesswoman of the Year
• Kate Millar, Embrace – Businesswoman of the Year
• Tia Ainsworth, Transform with Tia – Health & Wellbeing Businesswoman of the Year
• Kirsty Lavell, Socials with KL – Marketing Businesswoman of the Year
• Laura Scarrone Bonhomme, Affirm LGBT – Triumph over Adversity
• Martyna Ryder, Lagom Hem – Women in Tech Award
• Emma O’Neill, The Skin Diary – Startup Businesswoman of the Year
• Michelle Adams, Chatty Cats Care Ltd – Remote Working Businesswoman of the Year
• Angela Gregg, Fresh Start Charity – Non-Profit Businesswoman of the Year
• MDM Vehicle Deliveries – Business Growth Award
• Jacqueline Stockwell, Leadership Through Data – Leadership Award
• Megan Thorne, Meg’s Piano Teaching – Young Businesswoman of the Year

Celebrating Female-Led Excellence

The 2025 Women in Business Awards highlight the achievements of women making an impact in their industries. These leaders are excelling in their fields while also driving meaningful change—whether by championing diversity, fostering sustainability, or advancing new business models. Their success reflects perseverance, strategic innovation, and commitment to progress.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their contributions. Their journeys reinforce that success is built on resilience, vision, and dedication. Here’s to the future of female entrepreneurship!