Dorset's Leading Ladies

Sarah Hutton - The Saxon Inn 

Monday 16th January 2023 was the start of a new journey. Having been out of the hospitality world for 25 years, I found myself involved once again, and the passion and love for providing the very best service was still there. I found The Saxon Inn and fell in love with it and had the vision to bring it back to life.

2023 was most rewarding but not without its challenges. Taking over the kitchen in October, was not in the plan, but wow, I love it, I trained at college, and have been involved in cooking, but never imagined I would run a kitchen. 2024 sets the challenge of keeping all aspects of our business 110% something I won’t give up on.

We have had a phenomenal start to the year, and I will continue to work with and find new local suppliers as well as offering our customers the best experience of The Saxon Inn.

Gold Hill, Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset,DT11 8HD.

Email: hello@thesaxoninn.co.uk

Web: thesaxoninn.co.uk

Tel: 01258 860310

Saira Francis - Mellulah Therapy & Yoga Retreats

Like many enterprising ladies, I find it’s become harder to neatly outline my business as its grown, expanding into different disciplines, practices, locations, and client-bases. My beautiful home in Evershot has given me space to offer holistic therapies, energy healing workshops, and spiritual spa days.

Meanwhile, my sound healing sessions and yoga classes take me across Dorset, bringing local communities together with large group sessions. When it comes to my residential yoga retreats housed in venues across Southwest England, I have the pleasure of welcoming guests from across the country and globally.
 
Although I’m often juggling innumerable plates, the support of my gorgeous clients makes every new venture into a rewarding and gratifying journey. Over the past two decades, my business has built a network of likeminded people across Dorset and beyond.

With this community and their encouragement behind me, I feel nothing excitement for the new adventures this year will bring.

Email: wellbeing@mellulah.co.uk

Web: mellulah.co.uk

Tel: 01935 83164

Hayley Woolford - Gloriette Gin (Corfe Castle Spirits Ltd)

I fell in love with Corfe Castle after moving here in 2020, it gave me such a strong sense of belonging that it immediately felt like I was stepping into a love story.

After years working in marketing and innovation, I wanted to create a brand from scratch, and decided to join the gin revolution. With my new gin business, I wanted to capture the spirit of Corfe Castle.

Through my research I discovered the Gloriette, once a secluded palace reserved for the king's most special visitors to enjoy wonderful times, it was an idea that had universal appeal and something I could get on board with.

Through an intricate blend of 45 botanicals, our award-winning gin captures the essence of the sumptuous Gloriette, through a level of depth, complexity and in-mouth experience that captivates your attention and allows you to feel immersed, much like the Gloriette would have.

Email: info@corfecastlespirits.com

Maureen Panchen - P.A. to The Lord Digby, DL, Minterne Estate

Someone once described the role of a Personal Assistant to me as “assisting with keeping individuals organized and on schedule in their home and business.” Having worked for Lord Digby and his family at Minterne Estate since 1996 I can testify to the daily challenges this brings within a busy Country Estate. 

In tandem with the approach different generations have operated the business, my role has evolved over the last 28 years. Entrepreneurship, events, weddings, and visitor attractions are always in our sights, as is staying on top of the business basics. The ethos of the Estate remains true to its aim of providing a service delivered with family values at its heart & this is evident to all our visitors.

I have witnessed tremendous change and growth over nearly 3 decades at Minterne Estate and if I had to sum up my role using “W3W” it would be flexibility, support & imagination.

Minterne House, Dorchester DT2 7AU.

Email: enquiries@minterne.co.uk

Web: minterne.co.uk

Tel: 00 44 (0)1300 341370

Deborah Clayton - Nuface Aesthetic Clinic

I am a multi-award-winning Aesthetic Facialist and owner of NUFACE AESTHETICS in Verwood, where I specialise in state of the art skincare treatments. 

I’ve always loved skincare, it started with my first job in beauty and I’ve loved it ever since! It’s more than a business for me, it’s my life’s work and it’s such a privilege to help my clients enhance their wellbeing and have confidence in their appearance. 

My passion for promoting skin health doesn’t stop with my treatments though - it led me to launch my own medical grade skincare range last year, my clients love it and seeing their skin continue to improve between clinic visits is just so rewarding.

With over 25 years in the industry I’m still grateful I get to to do a job I love - but winning two of the biggest national industry awards last year has been the biggest highlight for me!

The Annexe, 107 Ringwood Road, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7AD.

Web: nufaceaesthetics.com

Email: nufaceaesthetics@aol.com

Tel: 07856 373610

Sarah Newman - Minterne House

I am and Entrepreneur and Founder of NeedaHotel.com, an on line hotel bookings company, with Ryanair.com as my largest client, I grew the business with an amazing team from zero to over 100 million in 10 years.

I was the first Female Dragon on Irelands Dragon’s Den TV Show.
Young Entrepreneurs, and founding a non-for-profit Recruitment Business to support ex-military personnel, entering into civilian employment.

I live at Minterne House with my partner, Henry Digby, using my experience to support the operation of the Estate; I oversee holiday lettings, Minterne House as a film location, the tea terrace, and business growth.

We are committed to support local employment, along with a project this year to employ people with special needs in our café and the house.

Projects underway include introducing Yoga and Wellbeing Retreats for musicians , together with a project to create a Community Garden.

Minterne House, Dorchester DT2 7AU.

Email: lettings@minterne.co.uk

Web: minterne.co.uk

Tel: 01300 341370

Maxine Jones – Funeral Director at Grassby & Close

I have been working Grassby & Close for the last nine years and I pride myself on taking care of every family or individual who steps through our door, helping them through what can only be described as a very difficult time.

For me, listening to every story that I am privileged to share with a family is one of the biggest highlights of my job.  I really feel like I know the person when I have been told such wonderful stories of their life.

I could not do my job without the support of my colleague, Juliet Medland who joined the company in 2020.  Together we deal with the necessary paperwork and collate all the information we need to arrange the funeral.  Once these practical matters are in place, we piece the service together. Every funeral is different, some are religious and some non-religious, but each funeral is a reflection of the life that is celebrated.

Many of our clients will be dealing with a Funeral Director for the first time and are unsure of all the practical matters that are required and decisions to be taken. It is our job to guide them through every step of the process from registration of the death to the service itself, being by their side all the way through and do the worrying for them so that don’t have to.

Our job is a privilege and rewarding.

4 Innes Court, Station Road, Sturminster Newton DT10 1BB

Email: sturnew@grassby-funeral.co.uk

Web: grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

Tel: 01258 471024 

Sarah Oakes, Director of Performing Arts - Dumpton School

Working both as a professional musician and in education managing a thriving Performing Arts department at Dumpton School, I get to witness the impact that music, drama, and dance, has on confidence.

I am fortunate enough to act as a catalyst for our pupils to reap the benefits of all that the Arts has to offer. Through thoughtfully created lessons and performance opportunities, we offer dedicated time and space where each individual can explore their talents and cultivate a sense of belonging.

I enjoy working with a team of talented creatives, all with professional industry expertise, who know that our work is not just about good teaching, but about fostering resilience, teamwork, and self-assurance.  

I look forward to all our productions at Dumpton in 2024 where each pupil’s talents, passions and needs, are developed and nurtured through example, collaboration and inclusivity.

Dumpton School, Deans Grove House, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AF.

Web: dumpton.com

Tel: 01202 883818

Alex Ionescu - Knoll House Hotel

After finishing my studies, and starting my career in events, I then decided to pursue my passion for hospitality. I have always loved being a host and going the extra mile to make people feel welcomed; and hospitality gives me this opportunity every day. 
 
I started out at a gastro pub overlooking the beautiful Berkshire countryside; The Elm Tree combined my passion for great food and wine, building rapport with regular customers, and creating the foundations of a fulfilling career.
 
Once starting at Knoll House, I knew it would be special as it instantly felt like home away from home. Many generations of families have made and continue to make memories here, it's a part of people's lives, not just another hotel. Some of our loyal guests have been coming to Knoll House for over 50 years!
 
The biggest challenge and in the same time the biggest energy booster for me as Duty Manager, is that no day is ever the same and you must be ready to adapt to new situations. From dogs on the roof, to guests that show up a month earlier for their booking in an already fully booked hotel.
 
I have been at Knoll House for almost 5 years now and have seen the team grow and change over time. I've also seen the hotel successfully make it through some of the most challenging years in hospitality of all time. I absolutely love being part of the team that brings Knoll House back to its former glory but this time in the 21st century.

Knoll House, Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AH.

Email: info@knollhouse.co.uk

Web: knollhouse.co.uk

Tel: 01929 450450

Kaye Clemens - Grassby & Close Funeral Service

I've proudly worked for Grassby Funeral Service for over 20 years. I have forged success working in a male-dominated industry, starting as an administrator, and working my way up to Manager and Funeral Director. As director, I oversee a team covering all aspects of a funeral through to fully supporting the families and friends of the recently bereaved. 

At such a stressful time, my approach is to guide loved ones of the deceased compassionately & seamlessly to simplify the funeral process.

I am a qualified counsellor which has given me tremendous insight into giving dignified and compassionate care, attributing to my success. Grassby Funeral Service have been very supportive, recognizing my skills and supporting my progression throughout the industry. I am proud to work in this industry and the fulfilment it gives me to support others through difficult times.

Peel Close, Blandford Forum DT11 7JU.

Email: info@close-funeral.co.uk

Web: close-funeral.co.uk

Tel: 01258 453133

Emma Costello - Costello Lettings

Property is my passion — it always has been. At 19 I bought my first flat in Alum Chine, Westbourne. A natural talent for business eventually led to me forming Costello Lettings, the company of which I am owner and director. The independent business is based in Blandford and over the last 25 years I have developed a business and personal property portfolio that covers the counties of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

I genuinely believe it’s not just about letting a flat or a house but a home — a place for people to feel happy, safe and secure. My mission statement has always been "To do what I say I will do" and it works — with a great deal of my business relationships being built on recommendation.

The team at Costello Lettings have been crucial to the success of the business. Their loyalty and hard work is integral to the business succeeding. The busy office, our trusty tradesman and valued clients are all essential parts of what makes the business thrive and we pride ourselves on our face to face personal service and always aim to treat others as I would wish to be treated myself.

Costello Lettings have been British property Award winners four years in a row and offer a Gold Service that guarantees rent. Also, my family have been a wonderful support over the years, their belief in me is invaluable and they always listen and I’m so thankful for them.

17 West St, Blandford Forum DT11 7AW.

Email: info@costellolettings.com

Web: costellolettings.com

Tel: 01258 455501

Jo Harris - The Oyster & Fish House

I’ve worked alongside Mark Hix for over 23 years, at Caprice Holdings and HIX Restaurants. Over that time, I wore several hats including Group Operations Manager, Communications and Events Manager, and have always been Mark’s ‘right arm’.

When I first started in the industry, it was very male dominated, particularly in senior management. So, I’m delighted to see a huge shift in the last decade. I’m currently Communications & Events Manager and assist Mark with his consultancies, also freelancing for other hospitality clients.

I’m very lucky to work in a job that I adore with people that I love and respect, building relationships with peers and customers. I love the creativity of my role, meeting new people, the buzz of running events and weddings, as well as working behind the scenes to attract people to the restaurant.

We’re constantly facing challenges, but as a team, we always come up with new ideas to develop the business.

Cobb Rd, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JP.

Email: Jo.harris@coastalmarks.co.uk

Web: theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk

Tel: 01297 446910

Kimberley Maingard - The Greyhound Inn

In 2022 we brought the Lease on The Greyhound Inn in stunning Sydling St Nicholas. Since then I have learnt that running a successful business involves strategic planning, good leadership, financial management, and adapting to market changes.

Building a strong team and prioritising customer satisfaction are also crucial aspects. However my biggest challenge is maintaining a life-work balance. Being a mother is also a very demanding role.

The Greyhound Inn is the perfect destination for a great meal and short break and we take great pride in our menu, our rooms and the customer service we offer guests. I’m Looking forward to another year ahead and building a future for our children.

26 High St, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester DT2 9PD.

Email: dorsetgreyhound@gmail.com

Web: dorsetgreyhound.co.uk

Tel: 01300 341303