The Tide everywoman Entrepreneur Awards, in association with BGF, has announced its finalists for 2025 – a powerhouse lineup of female founders transforming industries and driving change across the UK economy.
Since launching in 2003, the awards have celebrated women who are reshaping sectors, creating jobs, and leading businesses with purpose.
This year’s finalists were selected from nearly 1,000 entries nationwide, representing a diverse mix of pioneering startups, scale-ups and established leaders spanning healthcare, beauty, hospitality, recruitment and food manufacturing.
The awards go beyond recognition, acting as a launchpad for growth, connecting founders to investors, commercial partners and mentors.
However, despite clear progress in recent years, a stark funding gap persists, with just 2p of every £1 of UK equity investment going to fully female-founded businesses.
Research suggests up to £250 billion could be added to GDP if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men.
To help tackle this, headline sponsor Tide will award a £20,000 grant to one exceptional female-founded SME, chosen from among the finalists.
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The winner will be announced at the ceremony on 2nd December at The Londoner, Leicester Square.
Nicole Goodwin and Sophie Catto, joint managing directors of AllBright everywoman, said: “Access to funding continues to be one of the greatest challenges faced by women starting and scaling their businesses.
“The Tide everywoman Entrepreneur Awards exist to change that by creating a powerful ecosystem of role models, mentors, investors and partners who champion female founders.
“These awards don’t just celebrate success stories but help create them by opening doors to the partnerships and capital that fuel lasting impact.”
Andy Gregory, CEO of BGF, added: “The everywoman Awards play a vital role in championing female founders and showcasing the incredible contribution they make to the economy.
“At BGF, we’re committing at least £300 million to female-powered businesses over the next five years as part of our mission to ensure talented founders have access to the capital and strategic support that’s needed to thrive.”
2025 Finalists:
The Balance Award:
Rana Righton, managing director of The Gluten Free Bakery, from London
Abi Selby, founder of Spabreaks.com, from Brighton
Zoe Williams, founder of Aegle’s, from London
Entrepreneur For Good Award – sponsored by Specsavers:
Maya Amangeldiyeva, founder of Mayas Community C.I.C, from Herne Bay
Gillian Ashcroft, founder of Exceptional Care, from Ormskirk
Alex Head, founder & CEO of Social Pantry, from London
Ruby Raut, CEO of WUKA Ltd, from Welwyn Garden City
International Expansion Award – sponsored by Rathbone Financial Planning:
Hinna Azeem, founder & creative director of H.AZEEM London, from London
Karen Hewitt, chief of retail at Character.com, from Swansea
The Next Level Award:
Toria Chan & Jules Shiel-Boulger, co-founders of STEPS, from Sheffield
Amy Knight, co-founder & director of Must Have Ideas, from Maidstone
Jessica Lancaster & Charlotte Stagg, co-founders & CEOs of Coconut Lane UK/Cocopup London, from Witney
Scale Up Award – sponsored by BGF:
Olivia Bishop, co-founder of Toco Swim Limited, from London
Julie Collison, director of Clear Strategy Limited, from Dublin
Niamh Murdock, chief executive officer of The Avoca Clinic, from Dublin
Social Star Award:
Claudia Bish, director of The Blogger Agent, from Brighton
Daisy Kelly, founder & CEO of Glow For It, from Hammersmith
Melissa Neill, founder & CEO of Body By Bikini, from Bristol
Solopreneur Award:
Katy Fridman, founder of Flexible Working People, from London
Emma Harper, CEO of Core Plus Tuition Limited, from Banbury
Leah Rendall, owner & CEO of Callander K9, from Callander
Erika Tranfield, CEO of Pride Angel, from West Kirby
Small Enterprise Award – sponsored by Tide:
Dina Jahina, director of ETO, from London
Lucie Macleod, founder of Hair Syrup, from Goodwick
Sylvia Oates, CEO of Six Till Six, from Nottingham
Rosie Skuse, founder & CEO of Molto Music Group, from London
Tech Innovator Award:
Amber Michelle Hill, founder & CEO of Research Grid, from Norwich
Katya Linossi, co-founder & CEO of ClearPeople Limited, from London
Emma O’Brien, founder & CEO of Embridge Consulting, from Kent