Norfolk Entrepreneurs Named EVAS 2026 Finalists

Sarah Schofield, of Holt, and Charlotte Giddings, of Redgrave, are among the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS) finalists.

Sarah is a finalist for the New Business category for The Safe Women, an organization which delivers proactive safety training to women.

It was established in 2025 to provide women with skills, confidence and awareness.

Co-founder of Brownie and the Bean, Charlotte Giddings is also in the finals. Her family bakery is famous for its handmade brownies, cakes and bakes.

Coral Horn, the founder of the awards, commented: "Both Sarah and Charlotte have established businesses that are addressing real problems and adding real value to people's lives.

They are great examples of innovation, resilience and business enterprise which we see in women-led businesses today and it is great to see Norfolk in the finals of EVAS.

Key Highlights:

• Sarah Schofield and Charlotte Giddings are finalists in the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS)
• Sarah was shortlisted for The Safe Women, a business focused on women's safety training
• Charlotte was recognized for Brownie and the Bean, a popular family-run bakery

The finalists will be in Blackpool this October to attend the ceremony to see if they have won.

The Enterprise Vision Awards are considered to be one of the UK's most respected and recognized areas for celebrating women's achievements in business. Awards are given to entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators in a wide range of industries that have made an impact, grown and excelled in their communities.

It is a great honor to be a finalist, reflecting the commitment and effort put in by business owners as they develop and grow their businesses. The recognition also offers a chance for the finalists to meet with other entrepreneurs, industry experts and even possible partners from all over the country.

The Safe Women has already become popular for its work of empowering women to feel safe and confident in their daily lives. The organization hopes to equip participants with the skills they can use in real-life situations through practical training sessions and awareness programs.

Brownie and the Bean's commitment to quality, creativity and handcrafted products have earned a loyal customer base. The family-owned bakery still continues to gain a reputation for its array of baked goods that are satisfying to all around the region.

The success of both finalists demonstrates the entrepreneurial vibrancy in Norfolk and how local businesses can make a difference, whilst gaining commercial success. They are now one of the most promising women-led businesses in the UK this year due to their place in the final of the EVAS.

Being named an EVAS finalist can significantly boost a business’s visibility and credibility. The awards provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their achievements, share their experiences and gain recognition on a national stage.

For both Sarah Schofield and Charlotte Giddings, reaching the finals highlights not only their business success but also their dedication to creating positive impacts within their communities through innovation and customer-focused services.