A senior sales staff member at the publishers of the Tavistock and Okehampton Times and their sister titles across Devon, has been named as a finalist in a prestigious annual business award.

Lianne Carr, Devon and Cornwall News Media regional sales director, has been shortlisted in one of the categories in the Devon Women in Business Awards (DWIB) 2026.

Tavistock-based Lianne said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected as a finalist for Devon Women in Business Director of the Year. Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me. It really means a lot. I’m very proud.”

The annual awards celebrate the achievements of women in business across the county.

All those shortlisted are invited to attend a gala presentation on November 20, at Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter.

The DWIB Awards were launched in 2021 by Louise Jenner and Maureen Townsend and get bigger and better each year.

Lianne’s nomination category is sponsored by Dawes Accountants.

There are 11 other categories this year: Start-Up of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Fran Minifie Photography; Small Business of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Louise Jenner (The Dream Job Coach) and Sole Trader/Freelancer of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Dartmoor Reach Alpaca and Glamping Farm.

Also: Employer of the Year (female-led business) – Sponsored by Margaret Oscar Employee Engagement; Inspirational Leader of the Year (female) – Sponsored by Business Fest SW; Female Employee of the Year – Sponsored by Jo Douglas, Midlife Harmony; Customer Service Excellence (female-led business) – Sponsored by Ladram Bay; Contribution to the Community (over and above normal business activity) – Sponsored by Newton Abbot Racecourse; Community Group / Charity of the Year (run by a woman) – Presented by Memory Matters and finally Unsung Hero (formerly Supporting Act) (male or female individual) – Sponsored by Accentuate Visuals and Female Apprentice of the Year.

Winners receive a trophy sponsored by Platinum Member, Dawes Accountants, a certificate and a ‘golden buzzer’ through to the semi-finals of the West Country Women Awards 2027.

The DWIB Awards are judged by Louise Jenner, Maureen Townsend and Emma Woodward in conjunction with the category sponsors. The awards event will include a raffle in aid of Memory Matters.