London women driving innovation, impact and change reach national EVAS finals

Some of London's most ambitious female founders, innovators and changemakers have been named finalists in the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS), the UK's largest celebration of women in business.

This year's London finalists are building brands, leading movements, developing life-changing innovations and tackling some of society's biggest challenges. Together, they represent the diversity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to make the capital one of the world's leading business hubs.

From healthcare and technology to social impact, sustainability, publishing and consumer brands, the finalists are creating businesses that are not only commercially successful but are also influencing industries and improving lives.

Among them Soma Sara MBE of Everyone's Invited, whose work has helped bring national attention to the issue of rape culture and sexual violence. Amy Watson of HASSL is challenging attitudes towards violence against women through campaigns, education and strategic partnerships, while Suzanne Eldridge of ReFleks is helping translate cutting-edge regenerative medicine research into treatments that could improve the lives of millions affected by joint disease.

Innovation is also strongly represented by Ghada Fourane of Spika Tech, helping businesses transform CRM systems into scalable growth engines, and Jackie Cuyvers of Convosphere, whose consultancy helps global brands turn online conversations into strategic business intelligence.

Monika Chomka of Amber Healthcare Services provides specialist care for some of the most complex cases across adult and children's services, whilst Gemma Greenacre of ProFleet Maintenance Services is helping keep the UK's transport industry moving through specialist fleet maintenance and compliance support.

The finalists also include Arshia Bhatnagar of Bhangra Blends, bringing South Asian-inspired flavours to the drinks industry; Holly Jackson and Kalila Bolton of SheSpot, building a platform dedicated to supporting women; Susan Bonnar of The British Craft House, championing independent makers across the UK; and Zoe Williams of Aegle's, whose science-led approach is helping thousands of women improve their skin health and confidence.

Creativity, education and purpose run throughout the London cohort. Louisa Herridge is helping entrepreneurs transform their expertise into published books, whilst Riannon Palmer's B Corp-certified PR agency Lem-uhn supports purpose-led brands to grow through ethical storytelling and visibility. Suman Randhawa is helping entrepreneurs master ethical sales and messaging through coaching, workshops and consultancy, while Priya Velusami of Pri Pri is transforming discarded saris into beautiful homewares whilst creating opportunities for women in India.

Chamiah Dewey is challenging the fashion industry's approach to sizing through her clothing brand designed specifically for women 5'2" and under.

Founder of the Enterprise Vision Awards, Coral Horn, said "What inspires me most is their 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 shown strength 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.”

Over the past 15 years, the EVAS community has celebrated and supported some of the UK's most influential female entrepreneurs and changemakers, including Julianne Ponan MBE of Creative Nature, Maxine Laceby of Absolute Collagen, Maggie Oliver and Melissa Snover of Nourished.

The London finalists will now progress through the next stage of the competition, including interviews with an independent judging panel and a public vote before the winners are announced later this year.

Sponsor Michael Dugdale, of Trident, said: "We're delighted to support the Sustainable Business Award and celebrate the organisations making a genuine difference through their approach to sustainability. Recognising and sharing these success stories is important in helping more businesses understand what's possible and encouraging progress across the wider business community."

This October, finalists from across the UK will come together in Blackpool for SheChain Live and the Enterprise Vision Awards Ceremony. 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.

To find out more about EVAS and SheChain Live, visit www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk.