Donna Haughan Named "Highly Recommended" at the UKSBA 2025 Awards

Donna Haughan, founder of the internationally recognised Burlesque Chair Dance, has been officially named "Highly Recommended" by the UK Small Business Awards (UKSBA).

The prestigious certificate of achievement was announced on 13th December 2025 as part of The Small Business Awards, celebrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact within the UK business community.

Based in Blackpool, the headquarters of Burlesque Chair Dance has become a hub for creativity, empowerment, and professional dance education, drawing students and instructors from across the UK and beyond. Donna’s recognition marks a significant milestone not only in her personal entrepreneurial journey, but also for the creative and performance-based business sector as a whole.

From Vision to Award-Winning Business

Donna Haughan founded Burlesque Chair Dance with a clear vision: to create a unique, accessible, and empowering dance method that blends burlesque artistry with chair-based choreography. What began as a bold creative concept has grown into a fully established brand, offering professional training, workshops, instructor certifications, and performances that celebrate confidence, self-expression, and individuality.

Through determination, innovation, and a deep understanding of her audience, Donna transformed her passion into a sustainable and scalable business. Her ability to combine artistic integrity with strong commercial strategy is one of the key reasons she stood out to the UKSBA judging panel.

Recognising Excellence in Female Entrepreneurship

The Female Entrepreneur of the Year award is one of the most highly regarded honours presented by the UKSBA. It recognises women who demonstrate outstanding leadership, business growth, resilience, and positive influence within their industry.

Donna’s work was praised for:

• Building a distinctive and recognisable brand in a competitive market

• Creating inclusive spaces that empower individuals through movement and performance

• Successfully growing a creative business while maintaining authenticity and community values

• Contributing to the cultural and economic landscape of small businesses in the UK

The announcement on 13th December 2025 highlights Donna’s ability to inspire others while breaking traditional boundaries around dance, performance, and entrepreneurship.

Blackpool: A Creative Home

Having the Burlesque Chair Dance headquarters located in Blackpool is a meaningful part of the brand’s identity. Long known for its entertainment heritage, Blackpool provides the perfect backdrop for a business rooted in performance, creativity, and self-expression. Donna has consistently championed the town as a place where modern creative businesses can thrive, bringing national recognition back to the local community.

A Role Model for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Donna Haughan’s journey serves as a powerful example for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women looking to turn creative passions into successful enterprises. Her UKSBA award demonstrates that innovation, courage, and hard work can lead to national recognition—regardless of industry or location.

By redefining what a dance-based business can look like and building a strong, supportive community around her brand, Donna continues to pave the way for future generations of creatives and entrepreneurs.

Looking Ahead

As Burlesque Chair Dance continues to expand its reach, this award marks not an endpoint, but a new chapter. With further growth, new projects, and ongoing commitment to empowerment and excellence, Donna Haughan’s influence within both the creative and business worlds shows no sign of slowing down.

The Highly Recommended title stands as well-deserved recognition of Donna’s vision, resilience, and outstanding contribution to UK small business success.