Leanne Simcoe Named Finalist in the 2025 Best Businesswomen Awards
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: our founder and CEO, Leanne Simcoe, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Charity Champion category at the 2025 Best Businesswomen Awards.
Now in their 11th year, the Best Businesswomen Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across a wide range of industries. In a year filled with economic challenges, technological change, and increasing pressure on work-life balance, this year’s finalists have shown incredible resilience, innovation, and leadership.
Leanne founded Little Stars in 2020 from her living room, fuelled by a desire to make a difference for children living in poverty across Shropshire. Today, the charity has grown into a trusted source of support for families in crisis, providing essential items like clothing, nappies, toiletries, and safe sleeping equipment to thousands of children across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
Leanne said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled, and a little bit shocked, to be named a finalist for Charity Champion at the Best Businesswomen Awards.
Launching Little Stars five years ago from my living room and growing it into the charity it is today has been a true labour of love. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved – from our fantastic team and trustee board to the many babies and children in Shropshire we’ve supported.
This recognition is incredibly special, and I’m so grateful to be part of a community that’s shining a light on the work of women in business and the charity sector.”
Debbie Gilbert, founder of the Best Businesswomen Awards, said:
“This is the 11th year of these awards, and once again, we’ve seen an incredible calibre of entries. Despite the mounting pressures faced by women in business, from funding gaps to rising costs to the mental load of balancing life and leadership, these finalists have shown that female entrepreneurship is stronger than ever. Our judging panel was truly impressed by the standard of entries, and we’re proud to shine a light on these trailblazing women.”
The winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Night on 10th October 2025 at the Daventry Court Hotel, where Gold Winners across all categories will be revealed.
Congratulations, Leanne, we’re so proud!
