The countdown to the Devon Business Awards 2025 is well and truly underway, and one of the most crucial moments of the process is almost here – judging day.
On Wednesday 9 April, our expert panel of independent judges will meet at the historic Buckfast Abbey to carefully review all nominations and determine which businesses and individuals will make it through to the final stage.
For the first time, the awards are open to any business in Devon, making this year’s competition more exciting than ever.
With 12 categories covering a wide range of industries, our judges have the challenging but rewarding task of selecting the very best businesses from across the county.
Meet our independent judges
We are proud to introduce this year’s independent judges – a diverse group of business leaders and industry experts who bring a wealth of experience and insight to the awards:
- Elinor Eaton – Co-Founder of Micronomy
- Jonathan Keeble – Area Leader FSB
- Anna Lake – Client Listening and CX specialist – Plymouth Chamber Place Board
- Yvan Williams – Barnova, Exeter Guild – Exeter Chamber Place Board
- Robert Zarywacz – Editor Business Action, Organiser of the North Business Awards and BBxpo
- Ian Washington–Smith – Founder Mindsmith Leadership Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Corporate Training
- Gemma Selley – Consultant Executive & Engagement Lead, Connective Projects & Video Communications Producer
This esteemed panel will ensure fairness, consistency, and integrity throughout the judging process, working alongside the category partner businesses to assess nominations in a transparent and rigorous way.
Introducing our Devon Business Awards partner judges
We wouldn’t be able to run incredible campaigns and events like this without the support of our amazing partners. Meet the representatives from each of our category partners for 2025:
Ruth Ladwig – The Equality Trailblazer – In partnership with Dartline Coaches (part of Go-Ahead)
Mike Laukkanen – People and Work – In partnership with South Devon College
David Wallis – The Planet Saver – In partnership with GA Solicitors
Claire Cornish – Start Up Business of the Year – In partnership with Browne Jacobson LLP
Sean Bolter – Small Business of the Year – In partnership with Westcotts
Jim Davison – Manufacturer of the Year – In partnership with Plymouth Manufacturers Group & North Devon Manufacturers Association
Richard Dormer – Collaboration / Project of the Year – In partnership with BCR Associates
Drew Mason – The Digital Revolution – In partnership with Timewade
Annette Stone – Global Britain – In partnership with Azets
Steve Gates – Steve Whiteway Award – In partnership with PPP Taking Care
How the judging process works
On judging day, the panel will spend the morning thoroughly reviewing all nominations, carefully considering each business’s achievements, innovation, and impact.
Their decisions will shape the final shortlist, which will be officially announced on the day (9 April). All nominees will be informed of the outcome on this date, revealing who will be in the running for an accolade at this year’s Devon Business Awards ceremony.
The Devon Business Awards ceremony
Once the judging is complete and the finalists are announced, the focus will turn to our glittering awards evening at Crowne Plaza Plymouth on Friday 16 May.
This event will bring together Devon’s business community to celebrate the achievements and success stories of the county’s most outstanding businesses.
Find out more and book your ticket.
What happens next?
If you’ve entered this year’s awards, keep an eye on your inbox on 9 April for news on whether you’ve made it to the final. For those selected, this is your chance to shine at Devon’s largest business awards event.
A huge thank you to our judges and category partners for their time, dedication, and expertise. Their role is instrumental in making these awards a true celebration of business excellence in Devon.ation in making these awards a true celebration of business excellence.
Thanking our other Devon Business Awards partners
Welcome Drinks Partner – Plymouth Gin
Event Partner – PL1 Events
Red and White Wine Partner – Nexus Open Systems
Access Partner – The Inclusivity Group
Finalist Partner – The Ivy Exeter
Photography Partner – Jay Stone Creative
Décor Partner – The Perfect Package
There are plenty of ways to get involved and support our Awards. Find out more in our dedicated brochure, which also contains details about the categories, partnerships, tickets and nominations.
