West Country Women Awards 2023

The West Country Women Awards recognises the hard working and dedicated women who have made a significant impact in their fields across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

From business and education to community service and personal challenges and adversities these women are the epitome of excellence.

This prestigious project is a true celebration of female empowerment, serving as a platform to showcase the incredible achievements of women and to inspire future generations.

The West Country Women Awards are a community interest company, set up to honour the trailblazers, innovators, and changemakers who have made a difference across our peninsular.

Last year Alexis Bowater OBE and Tess Stuber set about planning the West Country Women Awards and said on the 4th May, “May the forth be with you”... and it was.

With 15 categories ranging from Employee of the Year to the Phoenix award and special awards for women working to combat violence against women and girls.

The West Country Women Awards is totally unique to any other in the country. Last year there were more than 1200 nominations in the first 8 weeks of opening and at the semi finalist announcement they saw 6 women from each category announced by their respective sponsors.

Go South West are huge supporters of the West Country Women Community and are the headline sponsors again this year along with a plethora of outstanding support from companies and organisations across the West Country:

MSubs Ltd: Women in STEM

Real Ideas: Women in Tech

Womble Bond Dickinson: Employee of the Year

LHC Design: Green Business

The Plymouth Charter: Diversity and Equality

The Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall: Combating Violence Against Women and Girls

Continuum: Entrepreneur of the Year

Michael Spiers Jewellers: Phoenix Award

Somerset Council: Small Business of the Year

Genius PR & Events: Best Supporting Act

The Franchise Consultant: Inspirational Leader

Ian Williams: Property & Construction

Lifeworks: Women in Charity

Inns of Cornwall: Food & Drink

Tess and Alexis are still hoping for category sponsors to come forward to support the ‘Women in Sport’ Category and the ‘Women in Arts and Culture’ Category for this yearit’s a brilliant opportunity for you and your business/organisation to show your support for West Country Women in these fields. Or… if you were looking for a wider reach, sponsorship for the new Podcast series is up for grabs too!

The Grand Final event was glitzy, glamorous and attended by more than 330 people at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth on December 1st. This year they will be in the same venue on the same date celebrating the triumphs of West Country Women all over again. And as the date falls on a Friday, this time there will be dancing into the night!

Join this year’s awards and witness the incredible stories of women who have shattered glass ceilings and overcome obstacles to become leaders in their fields.

Be a part of this empowering event and celebrate the achievements of the women who are making a difference in the West Country region.

So, whether you know a woman who deserves to be recognised or simply to support the West Country Women Community, join Alexis and Tess in the celebration. Together we can inspire and empower women to reach new heights and make a difference in the West Country and beyond.

Nominations are open NOW. You can visit the official West Country Women Awards website to nom- inate a woman who you think deserves recognition for her hard work, dedication and achievements in her respective field. You will see that there are some new categories this year: Women in Charity, Food and Drink and Arts and Culture . You can also spread the word about the awards and encourage others to nominate deserving women.

Let’s celebrate the inspirational women of the West Country together! Anyone who is interested in attending the West Country Women Awards Grand Final can get their tickets / tables to support the Crowdfunder Campaign where they have achieved over 80% of their raise already.

Let’s come together and uplift the women who are making a positive difference in our communities!

What better way to celebrate your nuptials than with your very own bespoke spirits, created by you and the one you love ready for your wedding day.

Dedicated to craftsmanship and sustainability, famed Salcombe Distilling Co. is thrilled to introduce an exciting opportunity for couples to create their own bespoke spirits, adding a unique and personal touch to their wedding day. Award-winning Salcombe Gin School and newly launched Salcombe Rum School provides an immersive and interactive space for couples to craft their very own unique spirit with flavours that reflect their individual tastes and preferences. From seasonal flavours to clever naming conventions, your chosen drink is guaranteed to add a unique layer of personalisation to your big day.

FIRST, CREATE YOUR BESPOKE DRINK..

With expert guidance from the knowledgeable team, you will embark on a hands-on journey, taking charge of a beautiful mini copper pot still to develop and distil your very own 70cl bottle of gin or rum at Salcombe Distilling Co.’s waterside distillery in Salcombe. During the experience, you can unleash your creativity, creating your own recipe by choosing from an extensive range of botanicals carefully sourced for their quality and uniqueness, or get imaginative and experiment by bringing your own. During distillation, couples will sample and refine the unique creation before naming and bottling your chosen drink. The finished product is then presented in a beautifully crafted presentation box, making it an exquisite memento to cherish and share on your wedding day.

A Gin School lesson is three hours long and are typically available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons at 2pm and Saturday mornings at 10am. Salcombe Rum School runs every Thursday from 2pm-5pm. A Gin or Rum School lesson for two people sharing a still is £160.

NOW, LET’S GET WEDDING READY..

Ready for your special day, Salcombe Distilling Co. offers a service to distil more of your bespoke gin or rum. If you’re a former guest of the schools, simply visit salcombegin.com and fill out the online form listing your chosen botanicals and quantities noted during your previous Salcombe School visit. Salcombe Distilling Co.’s team of expert distillers will then re-create two 70cl bottles of gin or rum (from £95). If you’re looking to make your day really special, get in touch with our team to discuss larger quantities.

By choosing Salcombe Distilling Co, you are not only embarking on a unique and memorable experience, you can indulge in exceptional quality whilst also supporting their commitment to ocean conservation and a cleaner planet.

For more information about Salcombe Gin School and Salcombe Rum School experiences you can call 01548 288 180, email customerservice@salcombedistilling.com or visit www.salcombegin.com