The powerhouse female leader of a Northamptonshire health and safety consultancy has been shortlisted for two much-coveted national awards.

 

Zeynep Guzelkasap, operations director at Acorn Safety Services, has been named as a finalist in the Woman in Construction category of the National Business Women’s Awards.

 

She has also appeared in the rollcall for The Alan McArthur Unsung Hero Award at the 2026 Safety and Health Excellence Awards, which celebrates an individual who has gone above and beyond to raise health and safety standards or who has worked tirelessly within an organisation in the sector.

 

The well-deserved recognition comes just weeks after Zeynep was named as a finalist in two categories at the 2026 SME Northamptonshire Business Awards – Businesswoman of the Year and Businessperson of the Year.

 

The plethora of nominations is unsurprising for the dynamic director, who has had an enormous impact on Acorn Safety Services, since she joined the ranks in January 2023.

 

Over the following three years, she has revolutionised the company’s approach, doubling the workforce and creating a unique business model, with three specialist experts heading up and managing their own divisions – Legionella, Fire Safety, and Health & Safety.

 

Zeynep, who was promoted from operations manager to operations director last year following her integral involvement in the company’s impressive growth, has been the driving force behind the company reaching £1 million turnover this year after securing large contracts with household names.

Acorn Safety Services, which provides health and safety services to businesses, charities and organisations across the UK, is also shortlisted for the Tomorrow’s Health and Safety Awards.

 

Zeynep said: “It is absolutely fantastic to be a finalist in three different award ceremonies and I’m truly honoured to be recognised in such prestigious events. This is a significant achievement for me, and one that can only be possible with the backing of my amazing team. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey so far.

 

“We are just getting started at Acorn Safety. We have built a strong, talented team who are a pleasure to lead, and I am excited to see what happens next.

 

“In the meantime, I look forward to the awards ceremonies this summer and wish all the finalists the very best of luck.”

 

The winners of the National Business Women’s Awards will be crowned at a lunch time gala at the Leonardo Royal, London City Hotel, on Friday 5^th June.

 

The Safety and Health Excellence Award winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Wednesday 1^st July.

 

For further information about Acorn Safety Services visit www.acornhealthandsafety.co.uk or call 01604 930380.