Dorwest Herbs Managing Director Jo Boughton-White has won a prestigious South West Award for ‘Business Leader of the Year’. 

Now in its fifth year, The South West Awards for Business & Community run by The Great British Expos recognises businesses, charities, and individuals that have made an outstanding contribution in the region.

Dorwest Herbs is the market leader in pet supplements, established in 1948 with the quality of herbs always having been key to its success. Celebrating 75 years in 2023, Dorwest is still family owned, with Jo’s grandparents Murray and Dorothy Ellis pulling together initial ideas for the business over seven decades ago.

Third generation Jo joined the business in the early 2000s, taking over as Managing Director in 2011, ensuring Dorwest is still the brand customers know and love today.

Jo was shortlisted for both ‘Business Leader of the Year’ and ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ categories, with nearly 100 nominees in each – so Jo is especially proud to have won.

The judges panel commented: “Your leadership is commendable. Your commitment to innovation, outstanding customer service and growth is inspiring!”

Over the past few years, Jo has single-handedly researched and developed new products that are now bestsellers, including: cognitive support supplement to help dogs with dementia, BrainCopa Tablets, and advanced joint care support for dogs MoveWellia Tablets – winning a silver award for ‘Best Content Marketing Campaign’ at the Ecommerce Awards 2023 and recently named ‘Best Overall Joint Supplement for dogs’ by the Evening Standard.

Dorwest has also recently won ‘Best B2C Performance for the Pet & Livestock’ category at the Direct Commerce Awards 2023, recognising the company’s growth over the past few years, with Jo key to the business’s success.

Jo said: “I’m so incredibly proud to have won! I grew up watching my parents lead the way with their business entrepreneurship and am proud to have taken Dorwest to the next level alongside my husband and fellow Director Ben. Dorwest is now a household name in pets’ wellbeing, being synonymous with quality and trust in every aspect of the business. I surround myself with the absolute best people in the Dorwest Team and this award would not be possible without their support.”

To find out more visit www.dorwest.com or for more info about the South West Awards winners, visit www.southwestbusinessawards.co.uk/latest-winners