Swindon & Wiltshire News
Chippenham founders shine at national awards
Four Chippenham businesswomen have been recognised at the 2026 Female Business Awards, with gift-wrapping specialist Eve Cale taking home a national title.
Eve, founder of Giftwrapped by Eve, won the sales & marketing category at the awards ceremony, held at the Victoria & Albert Marriott Hotel in Manchester on October 15.
The win follows her success at the 2025 awards, when she took two categories.
Three more Chippenham founders were named finalists: Becky Groves of Rebsey Art Studio, in the creative business and new business categories; Gabriela Slater of Nu Reflexology, in health and wellness; and Helen Osmond of Osmond Education, in the trainer & coach category.
The awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate women behind UK small businesses and assess entrants on marketing, client testimonials, innovation and passion for their industry.
Hazel Woodward-Foley, co-founder of the Female Business Awards, said: “This year’s finalists showed exceptional standards of service, client satisfaction and business impact. Being named in this year’s awards is a clear sign of the positive difference Eve, Becky, Gabriela and Helen are making in their industries.”
Eve said the event was particularly rewarding because of the strong Chippenham presence. “One of the best things about the Female Business Awards is getting to celebrate the success of people you know, support and cheer on,” she said.
Her business supports handmade product creators in marketing their goods as gifts for occasions throughout the year, rather than focusing solely on Christmas.
Helen, who helps GCSE and A-Level maths students prepare for exams with confidence, said: “It was amazing to see so many inspiring businesses being led by women, and to be recognised as a finalist alongside so many of them was something I’m really proud of.”
Gabriela runs Nu Reflexology, a women’s health specialist offering reflexology, facial gua sha and lymphatic drainage treatments in Chippenham. She said: “Being a finalist is wonderful recognition for me and my business.”
Becky, whose studio produces original watercolour paintings and art-led products inspired by nature and colour, added: “The awards evening was wonderful, such a brilliant atmosphere with other inspiring women. I’m honoured to have been a finalist.”
Janine Friston, co-founder of the Female Business Awards and founder of the Female Business Network, said the awards existed to ensure women’s business success “gets seen”, particularly where founders balance multiple responsibilities while building meaningful businesses.
