TAVISTOCK came up trumps at a special gala dinner held last week, to celebrate a year of outstanding business achievement.

More than 100 businesswomen from across Devon attended the 2011 'Women Do Business' Awards at Dartington's Great Hall. The women are all members of the Women Do Business programme run by the Community Council of Devon (CCD). The service provides training, networking, support and inspiration to women from Devon to either start up a business or to help their existing business to grow.

Six awards were presented to recognise the achievements of members over the past year, with Tavistock featuring in two categories.

Jo Dixon of Tavistock was runner up in the Most Successful Start-up business.

Jo started Pogo, the pop up children's shoe shop, three months ago.

The judges said Jo was transforming the buying of children's shoes into a pleasurable activity, and said she had 'clearly targeted a niche market in her field, using clever and astute marketing'.  

'Jo understands the power of PR and sets an inspirational and professional example to other start — up businesses,' said the judges.

Jo, who will be in Tavistock Pannier Market every Monday until September 29, said she was 'delighted' to win the award and was really looking forward to meeting more customers over the coming months, to prove that shoe shopping with children needn't be stressful for parent or child!

And the Tavistock Women Do Business group won the runners-up award in the most inspiring host network category.

The Women Do Business Service supports women through a group of local Women's Business Centres and local business networks.

There are currently 14 WDB local business networks operating across Devon. The service is funded by the South Devon Coastal and Greater Dartmoor Local Action Groups incorporating funding from the EU, DEFRA, SWRDA and LEADER, as well as Productive Skills for Devon and the Skills Funding Agency.

Charlotte Hanson, project manager of Women Do Business, said: 'It has been a real privilege working with our business women on this programme. We have been so impressed with the dedication, determination and innovation of the women who have worked so hard to launch and build their businesses in such challenging times.'

Tim Jones, Chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council said: 'We are delighted to be able to support so many dynamic business women who are making real strides in their businesses and contributing to an upturn in the Devon Economy".

l For more information on Pogo Shoes, visit or call Jo on 07823 557 812 to find out where the shop is popping up next — venues are planned all over West Devon including back to school shoe parties in August.