Cotswolds businesswoman named finalist in UK-wide awards

Elisabeth Carley-Leonard, founder of Vibes & Visibility, has been shortlisted in the New Business category at the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs), the UK’s largest awards scheme dedicated to women in business.

Based in Witney, Ms Carley-Leonard founded her visibility agency in 2024 to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses through personal branding, social media strategy and founder-led marketing.

She said: “Being named an EVA finalist feels incredibly special because it represents so much more than business success.

“A few years ago, I walked away from a career and identity I’d spent years building.

“Starting again was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it gave me the opportunity to create a business that genuinely aligns with who I am and the impact I want to have.

“I hope my story shows other people that it’s never too late to back yourself, trust your instincts, and create a life and business that feels right for you.”

The finalist recognition follows big changes in Ms Carley-Leonard’s personal and professional life.

Earlier this year, she relocated to Witney from London after hosting a business retreat in the town.

She said: “We completely fell in love with it, and three weeks later we were moving in.

“We relocated on Friday 13th February, which might be unlucky for some, but it’s been one of the luckiest decisions we’ve ever made.”

Ms Carley-Leonard described the sense of community in Witney as ‘incredibly special’ and said she has ‘built more genuine connections in a few months than we managed in years living in the capital’.

Her business journey has already earned her national recognition.

Before launching Vibes & Visibility, Ms Carley-Leonard spent more than a decade in the music industry, where she owned a recording studio, rehearsal complex and national touring business, as well as owning one of the UK’s historic music venues.

After experiencing burnout during the pandemic and its impact on the live events sector, she decided to change careers.

Ms Carley-Leonard will continue to invest in the Witney area as her business grows.

Vibes & Visibility will move into a new office just off Church Green on July 1, with plans to open a content creation studio later this summer to support both local and national businesses with marketing and content production.

The Enterprise Vision Awards celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs across the UK.

Finalists are selected through a rigorous judging process, with the winners set to be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday, October 2.