Three Surrey women named among the UK's top business trailblazers
Three powerhouse women from Surrey are turning heads across the UK after being named Finalists in the 2025 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS) - the country’s largest and most prestigious celebration of women in business.
From transforming property investment and powering up retail growth to leading allergen-free food innovation on a global scale, these remarkable founders are proving that Surrey is home to some of the UK’s most exciting female-led businesses.
Now in its 14th year, the EVAS shine a spotlight on the women who are not just building businesses, but rewriting the rules, breaking barriers, and creating meaningful impact in their communities and industries.
Meet the Surrey Finalists
Lorraine Thomas of View From My Window (Best Business Finalist) is a property mentor, wealth builder, and changemaker and is on a mission to make property investment inclusive and accessible. Through innovative partnership models and hands-on mentoring, she’s helping people, especially those overlooked by traditional systems, step into ownership and financial confidence. Her business is rooted in transformation, community, and long-term impact.
Sarah Johnson of Flourish Retail (Best Business Finalist) is championing the high street with Flourish Retail; a consultancy that gives small and independent retailers the tools, strategy, and support they need to grow. With a background in big-brand merchandising, she’s bringing enterprise-level insight to grassroots businesses, helping them compete, scale, and flourish sustainably.
Julianne Ponan MBE of Creative Nature (Business Woman Finalist) has turned her personal experience with life-threatening allergies into a global movement. As the founder of Creative Nature, she leads one of the UK’s fastest-growing allergen-safe food brands; stocked in major supermarkets, served on airlines, and sold in 18 countries. With innovation, advocacy, and impact at its heart, her business is transforming lives and reshaping the food industry.
These three women represent the very best of female entrepreneurship; innovative, ambitious, and deeply purpose-driven. And they’re not alone. This year’s EVAS finalists include an extraordinary number of high-performing businesses: 20% have a turnover exceeding £1 million, and 5% are above £10 million, bucking national trends and proving the untapped power of women-led enterprises.
Coral Horn, founder of the EVAS, said “These women aren’t just running businesses -they’re building legacies. They’re creating change, empowering others, and showing what’s possible when purpose and passion lead the way. We’re proud to champion their journey and give them the national recognition they deserve.”
Michael Dugdale, Managing Director of Trident Utilities and sponsor of the Business Woman of the Year Award, added “Empowering women in business isn’t just the right thing to do- -it’s essential. These finalists are not only excelling, but redefining industries. We’re honoured to support the EVAS and celebrate these game-changing leaders.”
Finalists now move on to interviews with an independent judging panel, a public vote, and an exclusive reception at the House of Commons. The journey will culminate in a spectacular ceremony at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Friday 26 September, where the winners, and the Outstanding Achievement Award recipient, will be crowned.
View the full list of finalists at www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk