Entrepreneurial Award

Debbie Strang is a Founder Director and Chief Operating Officer of SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst, Shetland, which made history in December 2023 by receiving the UK’s first vertical spaceport license to launch small satellites into orbit. Established in 2017, SaxaVord Spaceport, which holds permission for three launch pads and up to 30 launches annually, has rapidly become the key player in the burgeoning UK space sector. All licenses are now in place for the UK’s first vertical launch in 2025.

Debbie is critical in driving the development of SaxaVord Spaceport, from building the company infrastructure to growing a team of 80 talented individuals. Her leadership extends beyond corporate strategy to include sustainability, education, and socio-economic development, crucially within the fragile context of one of the UK’s most remote communities. With a foundation in Geography from her honours degree, Debbie is committed to creating opportunities for local businesses, the island’s population of just 650 people, and ensuring that the benefits of space exploration extend across Shetland, Scotland, and the UK.

The space sector is projected to be worth $1.3 trillion by 2035, and SaxaVord Spaceport is leading the charge for the UK in this exciting new era.

I’m a self-employed illustrator based in Plymouth, having completed a BA and MA in Illustration (2021 and 2024). Growing up in poverty and the first in my family to attend university, I arrived in Plymouth determined to succeed.

While studying, I shared humorous, relatable illustrations online, gaining a significant following as my work quickly spread globally. Figures like Lewis Capaldi, Lewis Hamilton, and SZA shared my political work, amplifying voices in conversations on social issues and racial justice.

With a growing customer base, I launched my online shop in June 2020. Supported by the University’s entrepreneurial initiatives, including The Cube’s Mentoring Programme, 100 £100's Big Idea Challenge, and Dragon’s Den Competition (which I won), I shaped my creative practice into a viable business.

In my MA final year, I exhibited at D&AD London, where my “Whale Sounds” illustration won ‘Best in Show’ and attracted a creative agency, leading to storyboarding work for a major entertainment company.

Since completing my studies, I have focused full-time on scaling my business. Revenue grew from £3,515 in 2022-23 to £34,915 in 2023-24, and £56,454 in the last seven months alone. Today, I reach over 100 million people annually, with a following of 519,570.

I graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2021 with a degree in International Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Shortly after, I founded my company, Mss Solutions Limited, which has since grown into a 7-figure business employing over 43 staff and delivering high-quality cleaning and related services across London.

With nine years of experience in the industry, I have transformed my company from a one-person operation into a thriving enterprise. Mss Solutions provides a wide range of services, including commercial cleaning, student accommodation maintenance, removal and packing services, and VIP cleaning solutions. My commitment to quality and professionalism has allowed me to partner with prestigious companies such as Dexters, Winkworth, and Union Property Services.

Innovation is central to my journey. I recently launched the MSS Members Club, a subscription service offering exclusive client benefits, and I am developing an app to streamline operations and improve efficiency. By understanding market demands, I’ve expanded the business to offer bespoke services that cater to both residential and commercial clients, all while maintaining a reputation for excellence.

Tonisha Tagoe is a distinguished alumna of the University of Plymouth and a visionary entrepreneur whose work has significantly impacted women’s entrepreneurship worldwide. As the founder and Executive Director of the Ladies Entrepreneurship Club, Tonisha has created a transformative platform for over 4,000 female entrepreneurs across 28 countries. This initiative offers invaluable mentorship, workshops, networking events, and resources, empowering women to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve sustainable success.

Tonisha's entrepreneurial leadership is further exemplified through her role as CEO of Apples and Pears Holdings Ltd, where she demonstrates exceptional skill in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and business development. Her ability to build resilient businesses is evident in her innovative solutions for corporate and international growth.

With a wealth of experience in higher education and business, including leadership roles at institutions such as Arden University and QA Higher Education, Tonisha combines her academic insights with practical expertise to foster leadership development and economic empowerment. Her achievements reflect her dedication to creating inclusive opportunities for women in business, underscoring her commitment to diversity and innovation.