Independent Peak District hospitality group Longbow Venues is celebrating a double shortlisting in the prestigious 2025 Enterprising Women Awards, with two of its standout team members - Katie Angrave and Victoria Cone - nominated in their respective categories.
Katie Angrave (left) & Victoria Cone (right)
Katie Angrave, Wedding and Events Manager at The Maynard in Grindleford, has been shortlisted for Female Employee of the Year, in recognition of her extraordinary commercial and cultural impact. Since joining the business in late 2023, Katie has increased average wedding spend by 27%, doubled conference bookings, launched new events, and played a pivotal role in The Maynard’s continued award-winning success - all while working four days a week and raising a young family.
Also shortlisted is Victoria Cone, Director at Longbow Venues, who is a finalist in the Developing Leader category. Victoria joined the business in 2023 in an administrative role after a successful corporate career. Within two years, she had risen to Director, leading on compliance, technology, legal affairs, interiors, and the property side of new venue openings. Her calm, strategic leadership has helped Longbow quadruple in size over the past 12 months, with Vic playing an instrumental role in ensuring the group’s growth has been structured, sustainable, and people-focused.
Katie said: “To be shortlisted is such a lovely surprise. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at The Maynard. It shows you can lead with empathy and impact - even working part time and balancing family life. Longbow’s values give me the space to create real change and support a talented team.”
Victoria added: “I’m honoured to be recognised in this way. I’ve always believed leadership is about clarity and connection, not volume or hierarchy. These past two years at Longbow have been the most rewarding of my career. I thrive in a business that feels aligned with my values and places people at its core.”
Rob Hattersley, Founder and Managing Director of Longbow Venues, commented: “We are immensely proud of Katie and Vic. Their contributions embody everything we stand for at Longbow - commercial rigour paired with warmth, strategic leadership delivered with calm, and deeply held values driving everyday decisions. These shortlistings are richly deserved.”
Longbow Venues is a Peak District-based hospitality group committed to doing hospitality differently. Its portfolio includes some of the Peak District’s most celebrated venues: The Maynard, The George in Hathersage, The Ashford Arms, The Peacock at Owler Bar, and The Peacock at Rowsley, with a sixth site in development. The group is known for its ‘people over profits’ ethos, championing local produce, delivering exceptional service, and creating meaningful careers in hospitality. In 2025, it was once again named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work.
The Enterprising Women Awards are run by East Midlands Chamber to recognise and celebrate the region’s most inspiring female professionals and entrepreneurs. The 2025 awards ceremony will take place on Friday 26 September at Winstanley House in Leicester.
