Denise O’Leary MBE Hosts the South West Business & Community Awards, Celebrating the Region’s Outstanding Businesses
Swindon, UK – Denise O’Leary MBE, founder of Purpol Marketing and award-winning marketing strategist, was honoured to host the prestigious South West Business & Community Awards, bringing together the region’s most inspiring businesses, entrepreneurs, charities and community leaders for an evening celebrating excellence, innovation and impact.
Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Swindon, the awards recognise outstanding achievements across the South West, celebrating organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, innovation and commitment to their communities. Organised by Great British Expos, the awards have become one of the region’s leading business recognition programmes, with an independent judging panel ensuring winners are selected purely on merit.
As host for the evening, Denise guided finalists, sponsors and guests through an inspiring celebration of success, recognising businesses of every size- from ambitious start-ups and SMEs to established organisations, charities and community groups making a significant difference across the South West. The awards continue to champion innovation, sustainability, diversity and excellence across a wide range of sectors.
Speaking after the event, Denise said:
“It was an absolute privilege to host the South West Business & Community Awards. Every finalist represented the very best of our region- businesses and individuals who continue to innovate, create opportunities and make a real difference within their industries and communities.
“Awards are about far more than receiving a trophy. They shine a light on the people behind the businesses, recognise years of hard work, and inspire others to aim higher. Seeing so many incredible success stories celebrated in one room was genuinely inspiring.”
No stranger to business awards herself, Denise has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading experts on awards strategy. An Amazon No.1 bestselling author of WINNER – How to Win Business Awards, an experienced awards judge and the founder of WINNER AI™, she has helped businesses secure more than 100 award wins while personally receiving numerous national and international accolades. She was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to business and entrepreneurship.
The evening was not only a celebration of commercial success but also highlighted the importance of community, collaboration and recognising organisations that go beyond business to create lasting positive impact.
Reflecting on the event, Denise added:
“The South West has an incredible business community. Hosting an event like this reminds us why recognition matters- not simply to celebrate achievements, but to encourage innovation, inspire future leaders and showcase the businesses that are helping our region thrive.”
The South West Business & Community Awards continue to attract entries from organisations across the region, recognising excellence through an independent judging process that rewards achievement, innovation and contribution to business and society.
About Denise O’Leary MBE
Denise O’Leary MBE is the founder of Purpol Marketing, an award-winning marketing strategist, international business awards expert and Amazon No.1 bestselling author of WINNER – How to Win Business Awards. With more than 30 years of experience, she has helped organisations secure billions of pounds in business opportunities and achieve international recognition through strategic marketing, bid writing and awards success. In 2022, Denise was awarded an MBE for services to business and entrepreneurship.