They’ve broken through the glass ceiling and are now being rewarded for their efforts.

Female entrepreneurs from Preston, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Blackpool, Burnley, Clitheroe and beyond are once again proving they can compete with the very best in the country.

A total of 29 women from across Lancashire have reached the finals of the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS).

Founded in Blackpool and now recognised as the UK's largest celebration of women in business, the EVAS has announced its 2026 finalists following a record-breaking year that attracted entries from women-led businesses across the UK.

This year's Lancashire finalists represent a remarkable cross-section of the county's business community. From health and wellbeing, hospitality and professional services to engineering, sustainability, education and the creative industries, they are leading businesses, creating jobs, supporting communities and driving growth within their sectors.

What inspires me most isn't the turnover figures or the accolades. It's the determination. Every finalist has faced moments where it would have been easier to stop, scale back or play small. Instead, they've kept going. These women have backed themselves, taken risks and continued moving forward when many would have given up. They are proof that success doesn't have one route or one definition. What they share is determination, resilience and the courage to keep going when things get tough

Founder of the Enterprise Vision Awards, Coral Horn

Coral Horn, founder of Enterprise Vision Awards | EVAs

placeholder image — Coral Horn, founder of Enterprise Vision Awards | EVAs

The finalists include women building nationally recognised brands, innovative start-ups, thriving family businesses and organisations tackling some of society's biggest challenges. Together they showcase the depth of talent, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit thriving across Lancashire.

An important part of the EVAS mission is showcasing women whose achievements help others see what is possible. Over the past 15 years, the awards have celebrated some of the UK's most influential female entrepreneurs and changemakers, including Julianne Ponan MBE, Maxine Laceby, Maggie Oliver and Melissa Snover.

The Lancashire finalists will now progress through the next stage of the competition, including interviews with an independent judging panel and a public vote.

Iain Pilling, Area Engagement Lead for Lancashire at United Utilities said “The Enterprise Vision Awards are an inspiring showcase of some fantastic female-led business and entrepreneur talent, and United Utilities is a proud sponsor and judge in this year’s Customer Service category. We look forward to meeting all the finalists. We wish everyone the very best of luck in their respective categories.”

This October, finalists from across the UK will return to Lancashire for SheChain Live on Thursday 1 October and the Enterprise Vision Awards Ceremony on Friday 2 October at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. SheChain Live will connect women-led businesses with buyers, procurement teams, partners, media and industry experts before the winners are revealed at the national awards ceremony the following day.

As EVAS celebrates its 15th anniversary, Lancashire remains at the heart of the movement, continuing to champion women who are helping shape the future of British business.

The Lancashire finalists are:

Blackburn: Ella Shaw of Ella Shaw's Academy of Arts (Young Entrepreneur)
Blackpool: Diane Farley of Enveco NW Environmental Services (Customer Service)Kim Gill of The Big Food Project (Not For Profit)Rachael Leitch of Blackpool & The Fylde College (Training & Coaching)
Burnley: Lisa Sourbutts of Cube HR (Best Business)Carla Chatburn of The Confident Beauty Therapist (Health and Beauty)
Burscough: Jennifer Donnelly of Svante Studio (Sustainable Business)
Chorley: Laura Crowther of The Busy Food Company (Hospitality Industry)Lynsey Tattersall of A R Tattersall and The Green Cow (Family Business)Michelle Makin of Blended Coffee Lounge (Hospitality Industry)Sarah Kiley of High Five (Not For Profit)
Clitheroe: Francine Kenyon of The Printed Cup Company (Driven Leader)
Fleetwood: Helen Taylor of Glazey Days (Customer Service)Jo Adams of Jo Adams (Family Business)
Lancaster: Debra Presley of Diverse Nation (Diverse Business)Sarah Drake of Elephant In The Room Training (New Business
Lytham St. Annes: Sara Dewhurst of Lytham Gin (Family Business)
Morecambe; Tarnia Elsworth of TP Financial Solutions (Best Business)
Nelson: Rachel Williams of Albus & Flora (Health and Beauty)
Ormskirk: Gillian Ashcroft of Exceptional Care (Business Woman)
Preston: Cheryle Britton of YOLO Wellbeing (Health and Beauty)Dani Wallace of IATQB (Inspirational Woman)Ellie Woodburn of Ellie W Coaching (Young Entrepreneur)Gemma Roberts of Hope Prevails Preston (Not For Profit)Laura Bennett-Gornall - Local Vocals Choir (Creative Industry)Priya Solanki of Central Power Services (Driven Leader)Rachel Childs of Revytal (Health and Beauty)Sara Southworth of SCS Facility Services (Family Business)
Thornton Cleveleys: Kim Heubner of Brush and Tipple (Creative Industry)