Durham Business Owner Wins National Business Award
- kelseygarbutt
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Durham business owner, Una Jenkins, Founder of Transformation Education CIC, is announced as a winner in the Female Business Awards, a UK-wide initiative celebrating female-led small businesses.
Una Jenkins has just returned from the prestigious Female Business Awards gala celebration evening, held at the Victoria & Albert Marriott Hotel in Manchester on the 14th November 2025. The Awards recognises the successes and achievements of female-led small businesses in the UK, with over 800 small businesses nominations across 16 categories this year. Transformation Education CIC, trading as Durham Home Ed Community Hub, was confirmed as the Winner in the Services to Local Communities category.
Hazel Woodward, co-founder of the Female Business Awards said: “The judging panel evaluated each nominee on a range of factors, including marketing activity, client testimonials, business innovation, and the owners’ passion and enthusiasm for their industry and clients. Finalists demonstrated exceptional standards of service, client satisfaction and business impact. To be confirmed as a Winner highlights the positive influence that Una is making within their industry.”
Una said: “This award is an honour and a gift. It acknowledges years of quiet, consistent work, perseverance, and moments of self-doubt, and reminds me that ordinary women can make extraordinary impact. Every challenge has been worth it for our families, for the hub, and for the belief that community truly matters”
“DHECH provides a welcoming, community-based environment for home-educated children aged 4–14 in Durham City and the surrounding areas. We offer small-group tuition, creative enrichment, and opportunities for social connection in a setting that respects child-led learning and parental choice. Our provision is designed to complement home education rather than replace it, giving children access to high-quality learning in small groups”
Reflecting on the event, Una added:
“The awards evening was filled with warmth and an atmosphere of genuine celebration. Being surrounded by so many inspiring women, each with their own story of perseverance and impact, was incredibly moving. When my name was announced, it felt like a deeply affirming moment, one I’ll carry with me for a long time.”
Female Business Awards co-host Janine Friston, founder of the Female Business Network, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners, who have made such a positive impact on their clients and communities. The Female Business Awards aim to recognise female-led small businesses who often juggle multiple responsibilities and still create meaningful success. It’s inspiring to see their dedication and achievements acknowledged.”
Una is looking to use this recognition as a springboard in her business, and hopes to reach new audiences and be able to support more people as a result.
