DENISE O’LEARY MBE CELEBRATES INSPIRING WOMEN AT BEST BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2026
Wiltshire businesswoman joins judging panel and presents Special Recognition Award to Erin Thomas Wong
Wiltshire, October 2026 – Award-winning businesswoman, author and international awards judge Denise O’Leary MBE, Founder and Managing Director of Purpol Marketing, joined some of the UK’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs at the Best Business Women Awards 2026, held on Friday 16 October at the Daventry Court Hotel in Northamptonshire.
Denise was delighted to be part of the judging panel and to present the Special Recognition Award to Erin Thomas Wong of Life-Friendly Business Ltd, celebrating her achievements and contribution to business.
The awards recognise the hard work, determination and success of women running businesses across a wide range of industries, bringing together finalists, winners and supporters for an evening of celebration.
Denise said:
“What a fantastic evening celebrating so many brilliant women in business!
“It was a real pleasure to be involved as a judge and to see so many incredible achievements recognised. The standard of entries was excellent and there are some truly inspiring women doing extraordinary things.
“I was particularly delighted to present the Special Recognition Award to Erin Thomas Wong. It was lovely to be able to celebrate her achievements and share such a special moment.
“Congratulations to Erin and to all the finalists and winners. You should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.”
Celebrating women in business
Denise, who has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and business development, is no stranger to the awards world. As an experienced international awards judge, professional awards writer and multi-award-winning entrepreneur, she has seen first-hand the difference that business recognition can make.
She explained:
“One of the things I enjoy most about judging awards is reading the stories behind the businesses.
“You get to see just how much work, passion and determination goes into building a successful business, often while juggling all sorts of other commitments.
“Sometimes business owners are so busy looking after their customers and teams that they don’t stop to recognise how much they have achieved.
“That’s why awards like these are so important. They give people the opportunity to celebrate their successes and get the recognition they deserve.”
Encouraging more businesses to enter awards
As Founder and Managing Director of Wiltshire-based Purpol Marketing, Denise regularly helps businesses identify suitable awards, develop compelling entries and use their successes to raise their profile.
She is also the author of WINNER – How to WIN Business Awards, a practical guide to entering and winning business awards.
The updated second edition of WINNER was launched in September 2026 and reached Amazon No.1 bestseller status across seven charts.
Denise added:
“Business awards can be a fantastic way to build confidence, raise your profile and create new opportunities.
“Winning is wonderful, of course, but even being shortlisted is something to celebrate. It means that independent judges have recognised the quality of what you do.
“I would encourage any woman running a business to think about entering awards. Don’t underestimate your achievements or assume that what you do isn’t special enough.
“You never know where an award entry might lead!”
Denise thanked the organisers of the Best Business Women Awards for inviting her to judge and present the Special Recognition Award.
“It was a brilliant evening surrounded by so many talented and inspiring women.
“Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a wonderful celebration, and congratulations again to Erin and all the finalists and winners.
“I hope their success encourages even more women to put themselves forward and celebrate everything they have achieved.”