The Business Spotlight with Debbie Gilbert

Guest: Debbie Gilbert – Founder of the Best Business Women Awards, Business Women Unlimited, and a marketing & events expert.

Host: Visibility Expert, Elaine Walsh-McGrath

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Business Spotlight, we shine a light on Debbie Gilbert, a powerhouse in the business world who champions female entrepreneurs through awards, networking, and marketing support. Debbie shares her 27-year journey from leaving the corporate world to building a business that helps others succeed.

Debbie’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of visibility, and why recognition matters for business growth. If you’re a service-based business owner wondering whether awards are worth it or how to put yourself forward, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. The Birth of the Best Business Women Awards

• Debbie started the Best Business Women Awards 11 years ago after noticing a lack of recognition for female entrepreneurs.
• The awards celebrate and validate the success of women in business, helping them gain visibility, credibility, and new opportunities.

2. From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

• Debbie left the corporate world after becoming a single mum and relocated to Hertfordshire.
• Balancing caring responsibilities and work led her to create a flexible, service-based business, proving that it’s possible to build success on your own terms.
• She started by helping a friend’s plumbing business with marketing – and that sparked her own business journey.

3. Why Business Awards Matter for Growth

• Many entrepreneurs hesitate to apply for awards due to imposter syndrome—but awards can boost credibility and attract clients.
• Even new businesses (6 months–1 year old) should consider awards, as they bring exposure and PR opportunities.
• Winning or being shortlisted helps businesses stand out from competitors, leading to new contracts and media attention.

4. Debbie’s Networking Success & Business Growth

• Debbie founded Business Women Unlimited, a non-membership networking group that revolutionized business networking by introducing 9:30 AM meetups—making it more accessible for business owners with family responsibilities.
• She also runs a marketing agency, working with small businesses (2-10 employees) that need strategic marketing support but don’t require a full-time marketer.

5. Advice for Service-Based Business Owners Considering Awards

• Stop doubting yourself – awards aren’t just about revenue; they’re about your impact, innovation, and vision.
• Research industry-specific awards, local business awards, and gender-based awards.
• Think of awards as an appraisal for your business—they highlight achievements, validate your work, and increase visibility.
• Don’t write your entry with AI! Judges want to see your authentic passion and business story.

6. What’s Next for Debbie?

• Debbie is scaling down some areas of her business to focus on travel and personal life, but she remains passionate about mentoring business owners, growing Business Women Unlimited, and keeping the Best Business Women Awards impactful.
• The Best Business Women Awards are moving out of London for 2025, making it more affordable for finalists to attend.

Resources & Links

👉 Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn: Debbie Gilbert
👉 Follow the Best Business Women Awards on Instagram: @bestbusinesswomenawards
👉 Check out Business Women Unlimited: https://businesswomenunltd.co.uk/ 
👉 Explore the Best Business Women Awards: www.bestbusinesswomenawards.com
👉 Looking for more awards to enter? Check out awards-list.co.uk

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever doubted whether business awards are worth it, this episode is a must-watch. Visibility = Growth. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way!

🔥 Want more expert business insights? Make sure to follow The Business Spotlight for more inspiring founder stories.