Our Judges
We have developed our judging over 17 years and our judges, all top business people within their chosen arena, have cited our awards as both the most transparent and professionally executed. Each application is scored by up to 4 different judges from a panel of up to 30 judges, all applications are seen by different members of the judging panel. The judges spend over several hours and score not only their own sponsored category but several others too, this ensures transparency. The first page of questions is designed to give the judges a real feel for your business, followed by several questions that are scored from 1 to 5. It is worth noting that although all judging is computer based please ensure you upload images or screen shots of all important pages. There are no site visits or presentations involved. The finalists are chosen by adding all the scores and up to 16 entrants can make it through to the final, however if scoring is low, less entrants make it through. Should you wish to read our Top Tips, please click HERE
Alex Falcon Huerta FCCA
Director | Soaring Falcon
I specialise in helping clients adapt to change for optimal success. With a strong passion for assisting businesses in achieving global growth, I bring extensive expertise from my work with innovative companies in the United Kingdom. My mission is to drive success through transformative initiatives and support businesses in expanding into the UK market, taking care of all aspects relating to the UK.
Camille Grant
Owner / Director | The Pattern Studio LTD
Camille is a highly accomplished professional in the Fashion Production sector and currently leads her multi-award-winning venture, The Pattern Studio LTD. Specialising in Sizing, Camille and her team are celebrated for their commitment to excellence and quality. As the Director, she shapes the strategic vision, consistently driving innovative, flexible, and customer-centric services. Committed to fostering a culture of creativity, talent development, and operational efficiency, Camille, with an extensive background in high-end fashion brands, maintains a hands-on approach. Her close collaboration with the team ensures optimal client support. Dedicated to technical design education, Camille actively mentors the next generation of Pattern Cutters and Graders and is currently pursuing an eMBA.
Ceri-Jane Hackling
Managing Director | Cerub Public Relations
Ceri-Jane Hackling is the Managing Director and founder of Cerub Public Relations, an award- winning PR agency which specialises in creating and implementing innovative campaigns and strategic thought leadership initiatives for B2B brands and entrepreneurs.
Ceri-Jane founded the agency in 2003 and has since collaborated with clients from across a variety of industries.
Cerub PR’s approach is tailored to each individual client’s needs and each campaign is designed to help them achieve their objectives and ultimately, contribute to their commercial success.
Ceri-Jane is results focused and is committed to helping businesses stand out and thrive within their respective industries.
Diana Richardson
Founder & Director | Orchids Retreat
Over 25 years in industry experience, a multiple award winning business and beauty expert. Diana’s focus is to help others put their best face forward. Glowgetter Beauty Entrepreneurs 101 creates bespoke programs empowering beauty salon owners to run & grow their beauty business confidently.
Jeanette Barrowcliffe
Finance Director | Meridian Business Support
Jeanette Barrowcliffe, a qualified accountant who trained with EY, joined Meridian Business Support, one of the largest independent multi-sector recruitment agencies in the UK, in June 1997. She was appointed as FD in 2003 and was part of the MBO teams in 2005 and 2021.
A highly respected and natural leader with an incredible skill in recognising the opportunities and drivers that shape recruitment in the UK, she understands what success looks like and more importantly knows what’s needed to be done to achieve it.
In addition to being the FD for Meridian, Jeanette is judge for a national awards programme and has previously been a Trustee for Walsingham Support, a charity which supports people with learning disabilities and was also a director for the REC, the largest trade body for the recruitment sector; both positions were held for the maximum terms of nine years. She was also a Parent Governor of a Primary School for eight years.
Working closely with the CEO, executive team, operations, and support services she aids the strategic direction and organisation of Meridian and has been integral in its growth over the years. In addition, Jeanette directly leads all of the Support Service teams which have continued to improve the management information and support the governance for the business. Her teams are motivated, proactive and award winning.
Juliet Fisher
Managing Director | Juliet Fisher Creatives & Consultancy
Juliet Fisher, a distinguished professional, with over three decades of expertise in hospitality, business consultancy, and healthcare operations. Her illustrious career reflects her commitment to excellence, earning her the honour of being invited once again as a judge for Women in Business 2024. Amidst her multifaceted roles, Juliet is a devoted mother to five teenagers, seamlessly juggling the demands of a busy family life. A passionate advocate for empowering women in the business realm, she extends unwavering support to nurture their growth and success. Juliet stands as a beacon of inspiration, seamlessly blending her roles as a seasoned professional and a dedicated mother.
Linda Lyle
Managing Director | Occupational Health Consultancy Ltd
Linda Lyle is a Specialist Practitioner in Occupational Health and the founder of Occupational Health Consultancy Ltd. She has worked within the Occupational Health setting for the last 30 years providing advice and expertise to a wide range of both small and large companies. This has given Linda an in-depth and thorough knowledge of the field.
A highly respected and natural leader with a commitment to excellence and customer care. Linda is passionate about empowering women in business and is looking forward to being a judge this year.
Rebecca Wall
COO | Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding Ltd
Rebecca is COO of Hertfordshire based multi-award winning Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding. Our previous winner of the coveted title of ‘Southern England Business Woman of the Year’ at The National Business Women’s Awards (Wembley 2020/2021), Rebecca is also a former Hertfordshire Business Person of the Year and has a wealth of experience in start-ups and SMEs, ranging from Professional Beauty and Spa to Construction. Rebecca strives to be an ambassador for business excellence and has extensive judging experience at both national and international business awards.
Susie Mitchell
Director | Florence and James Marketing
Susie is a highly experienced brand and marketing strategist. She has over 20 years international marketing experience across a wide variety of B2C and B2B sectors. She’s worked with ambitious startups right through to blue chips including companies like Panasonic, Tesco, British Airways and Volkswagen.
For over six years Susie has been successfully running and accelerating the growth of her own agency Florence & James Marketing where she helps SMEs connect with customers in the right way to grow their business.
Find out more about Susie and F&J here:
Vierka Valkosak-Hiscock
Managing Director | Care Horizons Ltd
Vierka Hiscock is the Managing Director & CEO of Care Horizons Ltd, a domiciliary care provider based in Yate, UK. She is a passionate and visionary leader with over 15 years’ experience in patient social care and business administration. She joined Care Horizons in 2017 and holds a Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care and is currently pursuing a CMI Level 7 Diploma. As a certified coach/mentor, Vierka believes that with the right support, everyone can reach their full potential and become successful. Her greatest satisfaction is when clients and their families visit the Care Horizons office for a cup of tea.
Aimee Baker
Owner | Something A Bit Different
Aimee Baker, the owner of an e-commerce brand called Something a bit Different. A curated collection of products for pregnancy through the early years. The business has built their own brand as well as resourcing products from other independent businesses.
Charmaine Vincent
CEO | Baltimore Consulting
An award-winning female entrepreneur, CEO, business owner and coach.
With 25 year’s professional experience, Charmaine has achieved some incredible career millstones. Some of which include, completing an MBO and taking 100% ownership of her business.
Awards:
SME National Business Awards – Business Woman of the Year 2023
National Business Women’s Awards – Business Woman of the Year 2023
Best Business Women Awards – Best Business 2023
Business Leader Awards – Employer of the Year 2023
National Business Women’s Awards – Business Owner of the Year 2021
SME National Business Awards – Lockdown Leader 2021
SME National Business Awards – Business Person of the Year 2020/21
Best Business Women Awards – Best Business Woman in Recruitment 2020
Business Leader Awards – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020
National Business Women’s Awards – Business Woman of the Year 2019
National & South West Institute of Directors Awards – SME Director of the Year 2019
A confident businesswoman with a caring ethos and strong moral compass.
Charmaine is super passionate about making a difference to the community & being a positive role model for her daughter.
Throughout her career, Charmaine hasn’t been afraid of showing vulnerability, to which, she believes has contributed to both her personal and professional growth. A development advocate, she continues to invest heavily in herself and her staff by empowering them to become the best version of themselves.
Rachel Pernak-Brennon
Psycho-Therapeutic Business Coach & Principal | Cambridge College of Holistic Health
Rachel is Principal of the very prestigious Cambridge College of Holistic Health, offering online & in person courses Worldwide, for all abilities with a Passion to learn more about Holistic Health.
She is also a, Award Winning Psychotherapeutic Business Coach for Women, meaning that she focuses on Self-Confidence, Belief & the Emotional issues that can affect women from starting & building successful businesses, as well as the practicalities of business building for women in particular.
She is known for her Passionate teaching style & her Supportive & Inspiring way amongst her thousands of Coaching Clients & students alike.
“Winning a National Business Women’s Award and subsequently being asked to become a National Judge means the world to me, as I feel women often under-estimate their potential in the world, these awards help encourage them to shine their light- I love it!”
Sue Keogh
Director | Sookio
Sue Keogh is a recognised specialist in digital content. She founded Cambridge digital marketing agency Sookio in 2008, after a decade producing content for BBC Radio 2, Yahoo, Aol, Magic FM and ITV.com.
A Fellow of the RSA and a Sage Business Expert, Sue is a judge at the National Business Women’s Awards and regularly shares insights at events and on shows for BBC Radio 5, Digital Leaders, Small Business Charter and Innovate UK. Her Communications Untangled podcast launches in 2024.
Through Sookio she oversees strategy, content and campaigns for clients including the University of Cambridge, NHS and Alzheimer’s Society, and her work experience initiatives have supported 150+ people in getting into marketing and communications.