BUSINESSWOMEN from Teignbridge scooped a clutch of prestigious awards when they were recognised at this year’s Devon Women in Business Awards.

Natalie Hyson, of Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm and Glamping near Bovey Trace, won the EcoFriendly Business of the Year Award.

The winner was chosen for its comprehensive approach to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting customers to do this too.

From planting trees, nature conservation, encouraging guests to leave no trace, providing eco-friendly and refillable products in the accommodation, to reusing materials wherever possible, the company is leading by example, helping visitors to care for the planet at the same time as enjoying a tranquil holiday.

From left: Kate Philp (SDC) with Elise Prowse, from Falcon Digital, Newton Abbot (Highly Commended Apprentice of the Year) and Louise Jenner.
From left: Kate Philp (SDC) with Elise Prowse, from Falcon Digital, Newton Abbot (Highly Commended Apprentice of the Year) and Louise Jenner. (-)

Newton Abbot businesses cleaned up in the category for Employee of the Year, sponsored by Coops & Co., with five out of the six finalists working in or near the town.

Evi Dunphy, from Falcon Digital, and Rosie Gitsham from MMC, both received Highly Commended Awards and the winner was Holly Truhol from Jones & Sons Pest Control in Bovey Tracey.

Elise Prowse, of Falcon Digital in Newton Abbot, won Highly Commended in the new Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by South Devon College.

Cllr Paul Arnott of Exeter & East Devon Enterprise Zone presented the Eco-Friendly Business of the Year Award to Natalie Hyson of Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm and Glamping, pictured with her husband and co-owner, Josh Hyson and host, Louise Jenner.
Cllr Paul Arnott of Exeter & East Devon Enterprise Zone presented the Eco-Friendly Business of the Year Award to Natalie Hyson of Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm and Glamping, pictured with her husband and co-owner, Josh Hyson and host, Louise Jenner. (-)

Jazmin Smith and Abi Ward from Jones & Son Pest Control in Bovey Tracey won Highly Commended for Customer Service Excellence and Kira Pitt from SNK Hair and Beauty was a finalist in the Start-Up of the Year category.

Best Supporting Act, which was open to all genders, sponsored by Q-Ball Creative, was won by the inspirational Christopher Wills for his work supporting the owners of the Newton Abbot charity, Wellbeing in Action, run by Lindie Wadlan and Emma Warren. Lindie and Emma also won the award for Charity / Community Group or Project of the Year, sponsored by Falcon Digital.

Highly Commended was awarded to Maria Shepherd at Community Support Team, also based in Newton Abbot.