The winners of the Successful Women in Business Awards have been announced.

Eight women came top of the competition which aim to celebrate and showcase the work and businesses of women across Dorset, Devon and Somerset.

The awards ceremony took place at Weymouth College last month, and Gill Donnell MBE, who created the awards, said it was a ‘fantastic night.’

She explained: “There was a range of diverse businesses represented from across the region and we’re grateful to everyone who nominated and entered, and our sponsors & marketing partners who made the event possible. We’re already excited about the 2019 Awards!”

Gill also explained why she created the awards, and said: “We know that the business marketing potential for being shortlisted for an award, even if not a winner, can be a great way to raise profile and be seen amongst business peers and/or competition, as well as being a great personal motivator.”

Here is the full list of winners, selected by an independent judging panel:

Mentor Award - Angela Piromalli, Rock Recruitment

Teaching Awards - Zoe Wathen, Parkstone Grammar School

Creative Award - Lexy Browning, Made By Me Parties

Health & Wellbeing Award - Morag Kitt, Tola Health

Innovation Award - Lesley Tindle, Boutique in a Bus

New Business Award - Kate Worden, IzzyBee

Professional Services Award - Yvonne Vigar, Astara Coaching

Business Mother Award - Natasha Ray, &Keep

The Successful Women Award, selected from all the finalists, was presented to Natasha Ray.

A surprise Amazing Woman award was made to Gill Donnell herself to honour her work in setting up the network. Guests also raised over £600 in memory of SWIB member, Tara Knight, for Weldmar Hospice, a charity that provides end of life care for people living in Dorset who need specialist support.

The awards comes off the back of the Successful Women in Business Network, which is a membership organisation for women who want to grow their businesses or develop their careers with the support of other women at regular networking events and personal development workshops.