A Cumbria-based business dedicated to empowering women has secured a major accolade at a prestigious regional awards ceremony.
Cumbria, UK. December 2nd 2025 – The Safe Woman Ltd, founded by personal safety advocate and motivational speaker Sarah Schofield, has been named Best New Business of the Year at the In-Cumbria Business Awards.
The win comes just 11 months after the business was launched, marking an impressive achievement for the young organisation. Backed by H&H Insurance Brokers Limited, the awards showcased excellence across the county, with The Safe Woman Ltd standing out in the new business category.
The Safe Woman grew out of Sarah’s painful personal history — an experience as a crime victim who felt abandoned by the systems meant to protect her. Instead of stepping back, she turned her ordeal into a mission to change how women approach personal safety and rebuild confidence. Receiving this award marks a significant step forward for her and the organisation.
“I was genuinely overwhelmed and completely lost for words – literally the first time that’s ever happened,” she said after receiving the award. “This is proof that good things can come from bad things. Winning New Business of the Year 2025 will help me elevate The Safe Woman to a wider audience and support more women across the UK and beyond. The more we talk about women’s safety, the more change we create.” Sarah is excited for the next chapter of The Safe Women, whose services are vital especially at this time of year.
“I’m excited to continue sharing The Safe Woman with the UK, I’ve just finished some exciting contracts in London and am looking to work with even more larger businesses.”
“This award means more than anyone will ever know,” she added. “To every woman who has attended a Safe Woman workshop and helped me in this journey – you know who you are, and you are all amazing.”
1. Never Walk or Run Alone in the Dark
Whether heading to the gym or going for a winter walk, avoid going out alone. Bringing a friend, joining a running group or taking a dog provides added safety. If going solo is unavoidable, someone should always be informed of the planned route and expected return time.
2. Use Free Tracking Apps for Peace of Mind
Free apps such as WalkSafe+ offer live crime updates, safe spaces and real-time tracking. WhatsApp’s “Live Location” feature also allows users to share their location for 15 minutes, 1 hour or 8 hours with a trusted contact who can monitor their journey.
3. Avoid Wearing Earbuds or Headphones in the Dark
Wearing earbuds reduces situational awareness and can prevent a person from noticing risks around them. Staying alert, keeping their head up and walking with confident body language can significantly improve personal safety.
4. Change the Name of the Phone
Updating a phone’s device name on Bluetooth helps prevent strangers from identifying or locating it in public spaces. The device should be renamed to something that does not reveal personal information.
5. Stick to Well-Lit Routes — Avoid Parks, Woodlands and Empty Spaces
Dark shortcuts may feel convenient but often eliminate witnesses and visibility. People should choose well-lit streets, busier paths and populated areas. Extra care should be taken in car parks, and individuals should avoid walking close to vans. If something feels “off”, they should trust their instincts, change direction and seek assistance.
For more information about The Safe Woman training, corporate programmes or speaking engagements, visit: https://thesafewoman.com/
