Aswin Doekhie
EnsiliTech, Co-founder and CTO
Aswin Doekhie is a co-founder and CTO at EnsiliTech where he brings his diverse background in chemistry (PhD, University of Bath) and biology (BSc, MSc) to further the research and development the Ensilication™ technology.
This method was developed to enable the preservation of vaccines and other precious life-saving drugs at room temperature, eliminating refrigerated transport and storage, therefore providing wider accessibility and availability to communities in need.
Aswin is passionate about his work on vaccine development with over a decade of experience in this field. Outside of work he enjoys 3D printing and has a strong interest in coding.
“I am delighted to be a judge for the Bristol Life Awards 2025 and excited to review all nominees. I am looking forward to meet interesting companies active in Bristol.”
Becky Gallagher
Head of MBA Recruitment and Admissions, University of Bath
Becky has worked at the University of Bath for over 20 years. She began in the Students’ Union, helping students recognise skills gained through extracurricular activities.
This involved working with the Entrepreneur Society and sports and activities leaders. Currently, she focuses on recruiting applicants for the Executive MBA programme and collaborates with local and global businesses to engage MBA students in consultancy projects. Her role bridges academia and industry, ensuring students gain practical experience while companies benefit from fresh insights.
Through her work, Becky supports student development and strengthens connections between the university and the business community.
Ben Gay
General Manager, Harbour Hotel Bristol
As the current general manager of Harbour Hotel Bristol, I have worked in the hospitality industry for over 24 years at various locations and styles of venues.
Prior to this I studied at City of Bristol of College undertaking a HNC qualification in Business Studies. During this time I developed a passion for business hospitality and this lead me to my first position in Jury’s Doyle Hotel Gorup where I was mentored by my then general manager who taught me budgeting and managerial skills.
Over the years I have developed a passion for recognising development and growth within business. In my spare time I enjoy playing squash and time with my family.
“I have personally attended the Bristol Life Awards for many years and it is a privilege to be asked to be a judge at this years’ 2025 awards. Bristol has vastly become a hub for both independent and large corporate companies who deserve the recognition of becoming a Bristol Life finalist.”
Daryn Carter
Co-founder, Bristol Pride
Daryn is one of the founders of Bristol Pride as it is now and has been at the helm of the festival for 16 years, curating the festival and developing it from 1 day to a jam packed two weeks of events across the city. Under his leadership Bristol Pride has grown to one of the UKs largest Pride events and one of Bristol’s biggest festivals, welcoming 47,000 people in 2024.
With a background and passion for equality, diversity, inclusion and all things Bristol, he was awarded an MBE by the Queen is 2020 for services to the LGBT+ community and Freedom of The City of Bristol in 2021.
“I’m excited to be a Judge for this year’s Bristol Life Awards. Bristol is an incredible city with so much going on and there’s always something new and exciting to discover. I can’t wait to read about this first hand and see all the incredible work individuals and organisations have been doing to keep Bristol the vibrant and creative it is.”
Louise Ndibwirende
Trustee, Watershed
Louise (she/her) is a TEDx speaker, aspiring CEO, and multi-award-winning equality specialist with 13+ years of driving culture change. A fierce disruptor of the status quo, she excels in strategy, training, and stakeholder engagement.
Passionate about race equity, LGBT+ inclusion, and mental health, she mentors with Just Like Us and serves as a trustee at Watershed.
As a Film Director, her debut documentary Speak Little One unveils the unspoken realities of adoptees. With an intersectional, creative approach, Louise is dedicated to amplifying authentic voices, building safe spaces, and uniting communities to create meaningful, lasting change.
“I’m proud to call Bristol home and deeply value the vibrant communities that make this city extraordinary. The Bristol Life Awards provide a unique platform to celebrate businesses that go above and beyond to embed excellence in all its forms. My true passion lies in the people behind these businesses and charities—those whose small actions create a lasting impact. I’m excited to join everyone on the big night, honoring their achievements and raising the bar for excellence even higher!”
Maria Berryman
Programme Director, YTKO
Maria Berryman brings over 20 years of industry experience to her role as a judge for the Bristol Life Awards 2025. As Programme Director at YTKO Ltd, she specializes in delivering structured, efficient, and impactful projects across sectors including youth empowerment, IT recruitment, hospitality, and business development.
With a strong focus on strategy and hands-on leadership, Maria has a proven track record of managing complex programmes, driving business growth, and supporting teams to achieve their best. Her experience gives her a solid understanding of what makes a business successful and sustainable.
Maria is committed to community engagement and supporting businesses that make a real impact. Fluent in English and German, she works across local and international markets, aligning projects with both regional needs and global standards.
As a judge, she looks forward to recognizing businesses that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and excellence. With a practical and results-driven approach, Maria brings valuable insight to the judging panel and a keen eye for businesses that stand out.
Mercedes Osborne
Founder, Pointers Financial
Mercedes runs a mortgage advice firm, Pointers Financial. It has clients across the UK, with many in Exeter and Bristol.
After having experience across multiple firms led her to start her own company, Mercedes put together skills, knowledge and experience to ensure the very best customer experience for mine and her teams clients on their mortgage journey. She’s passionate about keeping customers happy and this is at the forefront of the business. Outside of work, Mercedes likes to be involved in the local community, as a trustee for the local Rugby Club and Secretary for the Small Craft Club.
“I love to be involved with events like this, they shine a light on people and businesses that really matter.”
Rebecca Isaac
Director, AMD Solicitors
Rebecca is Head of the AMD Clifton Village office and specialises in high quality conveyancing services, which includes sales, purchases and transfers of equity for both freehold and leasehold property.
Rebecca and her team are used to advising on high value property transactions or portfolios and understand the importance of having a highly experienced solicitor to lead and drive transactions through to completion.
Before specialising in residential conveyancing, Rebecca practised for many years dealing in family law and has considerable experience in cases concerning children, divorce and financial arrangements following divorce or separation of unmarried couples.
“I am thrilled to have been asked to be part of the Bristol Life Awards 2025 judging panel. Bristol is such a progressive and diverse city and being part of the Bristol Life Awards provides a reminder of what a privilege it is to live and work in such a fantastic City”.
Sarah Woodhouse
Director and Owner, AMBITIOUS
Sarah Woodhouse is a Director and Owner of AMBITIOUS, a leading independent PR, content and strategic comms agency based in Bristol.
Founded in 2012, AMBITIOUS has had 40% year on year growth over the past few years and is an award-winning agency with accolades including The Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2024, Bristol Life’s Employer award 2024, The Drum’s PR Agency of the Year and recognition by PR Week as a top UK agency.
AMBITIOUS focus on sectors including technology, property & built environment, healthcare, professional & financial services.
Passionate about social value, AMBITIOUS partner with several local community-based clients including The Grand Appeal, Children’s Scrapstore, Youth Zone, Young Bristol and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
Prior to AMBITIOUS, Sarah started her career in London and then moved to Hong Kong where she sold her first agency in 2011 to WPP.
“Bristol is such a special place. There are so many brilliant companies doing brilliant things and I can’t wait to do my bit to see them achieve recognition for their efforts”.
Tom Bright
Founder, Bright Evolve
Tom has over 20 years B2B Sales Experience and is the Founder of Bright Evolve, a consultancy which works with early-stage businesses to help them achieve profitable, repeatable & scalable growth.
Bright Evolve achieves this via a combination of service offerings and an online tool which is an essential sales ally for Founders & Leaders of growing companies.
Tom has worked across the world, with experience in Europe, APAC and the US, but as a proud Bristolian he’s passionate about supporting the local economy.
“I love Bristol, and the people within it that make this city incredible. The opportunity to be involved to celebrate some of those people and their achievements was a no-brainer!”