SURREY / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 19, 2024 / - recipient of the first-ever award for the Epsom and Ewell constituency -
Devenia Besant, founder of Epsom and Ewell Families – an online hub supporting local businesses while offering information on services and events to the community - is a winner in the prestigious MP HERoes Awards.
A Savvitas programme in partnership with NatWest, MP HERoes encourages, celebrates and supports female enterprise in every area of the UK, enabling MPs to nominate women in their constituency for their outstanding achievements and successes. The win marks a significant milestone for Devenia (Dee) and Surrey's Epsom and Ewell, spotlighting the local business community and Dee's vital role in making it thrive.
Selected by Epsom and Ewell’s MP, Helen Maguire, Dee was chosen from a pool of strong nominees. Her dedication to supporting the business community in the area, championing local connections and involvement in charitable initiatives made her a standout candidate. Helen Maguire shared her delight when announcing the win, saying: "Devenia is a shining example of determination, innovation, and community spirit. Her passion for supporting local businesses extends far beyond her professional work. Clients often praise her hands-on approach and personal investment in their business. As a local woman entrepreneur, Dee leads a successful business and is also active in empowering others, making her a real MP HERo for Epsom and Ewell. She truly embodies the ethos of this initiative.”
Devenia has been a resident of Epsom for 19 years. She founded Epsom and Ewell Families as a local business directory and support network, providing advertising, marketing services, and business guidance to help enterprises in the area thrive. Her proactive approach and genuine investment in her clients' success have earned her widespread recognition, with numerous nominations highlighting her exceptional service and tireless community engagement. In addition to her business achievements, Devenia is a trustee for the Epsom & Ewell Foodbank. She is also renowned for her charitable efforts, often using the Epsom and Ewell Families platform to promote local causes and support those in need.
“I am thrilled and honoured to receive the first MP HERoes Award for Epsom and Ewell. It is incredibly humbling to be recognised by our community and our local MP. I’ve always believed in the power of supporting local businesses, and this reaffirms that we are making a difference. I am excited to meet other inspiring women from across the country at Westminster and look forward to what comes next—new business ventures, fresh challenges, and more opportunities to connect and collaborate with other entrepreneurs.”
The awards will be presented at the Savvitas MP HERoes event hosted by The Earl of Erroll and The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP at Westminster on Wednesday, 20th November. For more information about the MP HERoes initiative, visit www.mpheroes.com.
For further information about Dee Besant or Epsom and Ewell Families, contact, Francesca De Franco at: fdefranco1@gmail.com
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About Us
About Devenia Besant
Devenia Besant (Dee), founder of Epsom and Ewell Families, has lived in Epsom for 19 years with her husband, three children and dog. She’s been a prominent figure there for many years, lives and breathes her business and is dedicated to fostering strong relationships and a vibrant local business community.
Devenia’s mission is to connect residents with trusted businesses and services in the area while championing the importance of supporting local enterprises. Her hands-on, personal investment in her clients' success has earned her a reputation for being as dedicated to their businesses as they are.
In addition to her business endeavours, Dee is a passionate advocate for charitable causes. She has led numerous fundraising initiatives, partnering with local businesses to support organisations such as Great Ormond Street Hospital, Get Ellis to America, the Dylan Strong Foundation, and the North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service. As a trustee for the Epsom & Ewell Foodbank, Devenia has played a pivotal role in driving support efforts. Her proactive and compassionate approach has raised tens of thousands of pounds for various causes.
Dee’s activities extend beyond business and charity. She initiated the “We Stand Together” campaign in response to the racial tensions following the George Floyd events. Dee worked alongside local businesses to highlight the unity within the community.
Her contributions to Epsom and Ewell have made a lasting impact, and she continues to seek new ways to support her community and inspire others through her work.
About Epsom and Ewell Families
Originally launched as a community Facebook group, Epsom and Ewell Families has grown into a thriving local business directory and support platform offering trusted recommendations, reviews and local information to residents. It connects the community with vetted businesses and service providers in the area, while also sharing updates on events, jobs, activities, and family-friendly resources through the website’s blog, directories and affiliated Facebook pages/groups. Focusing on quality and trust, it is a one-stop hub for locals seeking reliable services and valuable community insights.
Contacts
Francesca De Franco
fdefranco1@gmail.com40 Green Curve, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 1NY
Phone: 07941253135