From Finalist to Judge: What an Honour to Join the Enterprise Vision Awards Judging Panel

Tomorrow I have the real privilege of sitting on the judging panel for the Enterprise Vision Awards.

It feels quite surreal to write that.

This time last year, I was the one waiting, hoping, questioning, wondering whether the story of Hope’s Therapy Dogs would be understood in the way I felt it deserved to be. Like so many women in business, I knew the heart behind the work. I knew the sacrifices, the late nights, the difficult decisions, the courage it had taken to keep going, and the deep sense of purpose that sat behind every step.

But putting that into an awards application is not easy.

You are asked to explain your impact, your growth, your vision and your achievements. For many women, that can feel uncomfortable. We are often far better at cheering others on than we are at standing confidently in the value of our own work.

That is one of the reasons the Enterprise Vision Awards matter so much.

They are not simply about trophies, photographs or one night of celebration. They are about recognising women who are building, leading, serving, creating and changing things — often while carrying far more than people see from the outside.

Winning the Health & Wellbeing Award in 2025 was an incredibly special moment for me and for Hope’s Therapy Dogs. It was recognition not only of a business, but of a mission: to provide safe, ethical, professional animal assisted intervention for children, young people and adults who need support, connection and hope.

Our work has never been “just dog visits”. It is structured therapeutic support, delivered by trained people, with the welfare of both the children and the dogs at the centre of everything we do. To have that recognised on a platform like EVAS meant a great deal.

So tomorrow, to be on the other side of the process as a judge is something I will take very seriously.

Behind every entry is a woman who has been brave enough to put herself forward. There will be stories of growth, resilience, innovation, service, risk, leadership and impact. There will be businesses at different stages, with different models, different challenges and different measures of success.

My role is not simply to look for the loudest story or the biggest numbers. It is to look carefully, fairly and thoughtfully at the evidence, the journey, the purpose and the impact.

I know how much these awards can mean.

I also know that many women apply while still doubting themselves. They wonder whether they are “ready”, whether their business is “big enough”, whether their story is impressive enough, whether they belong in the room.

My answer to that is this: if you are building something meaningful, if you are making a difference, if you are leading with courage and integrity, then your work deserves to be seen.

That does not mean every applicant can win. But it does mean that stepping forward matters.

For me, being asked to judge is also a reminder of how far Hope’s Therapy Dogs has come. What began with a deep personal story and a belief that animals could help children feel safe, seen and understood has grown into an award-winning organisation working across schools, health settings and communities.

It has not been easy. Growth rarely is. But it has been worth it.

Tomorrow, I will be looking for the same things I hope people see in our work: purpose, professionalism, integrity, courage, impact and heart.

To every woman who has entered this year, whether you become a finalist, a winner, or simply take this as one more brave step forward — well done.

Putting yourself forward is an act of confidence. It says: “This work matters. This story matters. I am willing to be seen.”

And that is powerful.

I am honoured to play a small part in recognising and celebrating the women behind these businesses.

Good luck to everyone involved. I cannot wait to read your stories.