\n The third annual Maven Awards, held on Thursday, February 26, at The Nutshell, brought together 90 women in business for an evening of recognition, networking, and entertainment.\n<\/p>\n
\n The event celebrates and champions the achievements of women-led businesses in the city and the wider region.\n<\/p>\n
\n Natalie Hamer, founder of Maven, said: “The Nutshell is the perfect choice for the awards as the space itself has such warm energy.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Guests felt truly at home, well cared for and free to enjoy themselves in such a creative, community space.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Natalie Hamer and Louise Crockett of Defy Perfection Coaching at The Maven Awards in Winchester (Image: Philippa Gedge Photography)\n<\/p>\n
\n The Nutshell, founded by\u00a0Harriet Morris and No\u00ebl Jones, holds special significance to the awards as the duo won the Community Maven Award at the inaugural ceremony in 2024.\n<\/p>\n
\n The evening began with a warm welcome set to live jazz from duo Molly Amour and Nigel Price.\n<\/p>\n
\n Guests enjoyed a glass of Candover Brook and hairstyling by Harry and the Studio U team.\n<\/p>\n
\n Award-winning magician Tim Lichfield mingled throughout the reception, performing close-up magic, whilst Trenza glitter bar added sparkle to faces.\n<\/p>\n
\n Attendees then gathered for an awards ceremony that showcased talent across 12 categories and included a Best Dressed Award.\n<\/p>\n
\n Natalie Hamer, Founder of Maven & Curator of the Maven Awards (Image: Philippa Gedge Photography)\n<\/p>\n
\n Guests enjoyed food from Charlie\u2019s Pantry, a local catering business, before the ceremony began.\n<\/p>\n
\n Singer Rachel Chambers, a favourite from previous years, delivered a performance that had the audience on their feet and dancing.\n<\/p>\n
\n DJ Perrell provided the backdrop beats throughout and continued with the afterparty.\n<\/p>\n
\n 2026 MAVEN AWARDS WINNERS:\n<\/p>\n
\n Rising Maven – Sponsored by Camile Thai –\u00a0Winner: Tamara Pratt, \u00a0Thrive + Wild\n<\/p>\n
\n Eco Warrior Maven – Sponsored by Good Evans Kitchen –\u00a0Winner: Melanie Lejette, Moon Moon\n<\/p>\n
\n Creative Maven – Sponsored by Studio U & K18 –\u00a0Winner: Jess Montgomery-Salter, Edis Media\n<\/p>\n
\n Wellness & Fitness Maven – Sponsored by Beyond – Winner:\u00a0Emily Taylor, Taylored Physio\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n Power House Maven – Sponsored by Zoe Palmer, Travel Counsellors –\u00a0Winner: Diana Sillence, Dogs Trust\n<\/p>\n
\n Marketing Maven – \u00a0Sponsored by Maven Media –\u00a0Winner: Gemma Storey, Infinity Creative\n<\/p>\n
\n Maven in Tech –\u00a0Winner: Heather King\n<\/p>\n
\n Community Maven – Sponsored by Joanne Sumner – \u00a0Athena Network –\u00a0Winner: Maddie Podstada\n<\/p>\n
\n Rachel Chambers, singer at The Maven Awards in Winchester (Image: Philippa Gedge Photography)\n<\/p>\n
\n Client Care Maven – Sponsored by Giuseppe Manco –\u00a0Winner: Helen Moseley, New Energy Fitness\n<\/p>\n
\n Business Maven – Sponsored by Active Bystander –\u00a0Winner: Kate Llewellyn, The Content Consultancy\n<\/p>\n
\n Inspirational Maven – Sponsored by Style Solutions by Sarah –\u00a0Winner: Carla Saull, Good Wash Day\n<\/p>\n
\n Best Dressed Maven – Sponsored by Sulkydoll Styling –\u00a0Winner: Laura Bateman, Ferry + Ferry\n<\/p>\n
\n Special Recognition Award –\u00a0Winner: Louise Crockett, Defy Protection Coaching\n<\/p>\n
\n Power House Category, Laura, Zoe, Diana & Natalie at The Maven Awards in Winchester (Image: Philippa Gedge Photography)\n<\/p>\n
\n The Maven Awards continues to grow year on year, providing a platform to celebrate Winchester’s thriving community of female entrepreneurs and women in business.\n<\/p>\n