Wetherby Mum shortlisted for Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year 2026

Sam is the founder of Neo Founders, formerly known as Neo Social, a growth partner for ambitious, female-led brands across the UK. The business recently rebranded to reflect its expanded focus on long-term founder support, strategic growth, and scalable brand building.

The nomination follows a period of sustained growth, with the business more than doubling in both revenue and team size over the past two years. The recognition also comes after Sam was named Yorkshire Entrepreneur of the Year last year, marking consecutive industry accolades.

Neo Founders was built with the long-term ambition of becoming the leading growth partner to some of the UK’s most successful female-led brands. Being shortlisted for Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year is seen as affirmation of that direction and the impact of the work being delivered.

Speaking on the nomination, Sam said: “I am building a business with the long-term ambition of becoming the leading growth partner to some of the UK’s most successful female-led brands, so being shortlisted for Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year 2026 feels like meaningful recognition of that journey.

“This season has required focus and efficiency. Raising a young child means time is limited, so the work has to be intentional. As a working-class mum with a 20-month-old, I have built with clarity, pace and purpose.

“Over the past two years, alongside becoming a mum, we have more than doubled both the business and the team, and growth continues. To be selected by an independent judging board during this phase feels genuinely affirming.”

The winners will be announced in March 2026. Until then, Sam remains focused on continued growth, progress, and building a long-term legacy through Neo Founders.