Divorce coaching specialist named 2026 Rising Star

Divorce coaching specialist Victoria Dunn Coaching has been named Marketing Derby’s Rising Star for 2026.

During the investment promotion agency’s Annual Business Event, the business, which helps people facing relationship breakdowns, particularly those affected by domestic abuse, was announced as the winner of the competition, which aims to give a helping hand to upcoming business ventures.

The business was founded in 2024 by Victoria Dunn – and was born out of personal experience.

Having gone through a divorce herself a few years earlier, she became acutely aware of the lack of targeted support available to those navigating such a stressful and overwhelming period.

After her separation, she was frequently approached by others in unhappy marriages, seeking advice and guidance.

This inspired her to seek accreditation as a divorce coach. However, as she began her practice, it quickly became apparent that a significant proportion of her clients were experiencing abusive relationships, often without realising it.

This motivated her to advance her training and become an accredited Master Practitioner Divorce Coach with the support of the DASH (Domestic Abuse Stops Here) charity.

Victoria said: “My mission is to empower clients at every stage of the divorce process – before, during, and after, helping them regain control and move forward with confidence.

“And, as a Master Practitioner, I provide specialist support to help victims step away from abuse safely and successfully.”

In addition to supporting people through the complexities of a relationship breakdown, Victoria also partners with businesses to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the workplace – ensuring employers are equipped with the knowledge and resources to safeguard their staff.

She said: “I work with businesses to raise awareness of the impact of relationship breakdowns on staff, educate employers on recognising signs of domestic abuse within the workforce, and offer expert guidance to support those who come forward for help.”

At the Annual Business Event, Victoria took to the stage to accept the Rising Star Award from Marvin Cooke OBE, professor of enterprise at the University of Derby.

This year, in addition to free Bondholder membership, the Rising Star winner receives free monthly meeting room space at the university’s Cavendish Building.

Speaking at the ABE, Marvin said: “We all have a shared responsibility to back start-ups and support fledgling businesses, particularly those individuals who have great ideas – but can pair them with the courage and passion to turn them into thriving businesses.”

Samantha Deakin, head of enterprise at University of Derby, said: “Supporting the Rising Star Award is a natural fit for what we are building at Cavendish.

“It is not just about space, but about giving ambitious people access to the right environment, connections and conversations at the point where they can really make progress.”

On winning the Rising Star accolade, Victoria said: “I feel absolutely thrilled, privileged and very blessed to have won this award.

“I am so genuinely grateful to everyone who has made this happen because it really does give me the most amazing rooftop to stand and shout from.”

Victoria has said she intends to use her Bondholder membership to the full, attending as many events throughout the year as possible – and building valuable connections.

She said: “Cracking the corporate market is tough, so to be given this opportunity to access and meet the most influential members of Derby’s business sector, while helping those that really need it, is more than I could have ever asked for.

“By backing me in this way, Marketing Derby has absolutely shown how seriously they take the wellbeing and safeguarding of the employees in Derby.

“As this year’s Rising Star, I intend to be at as many events as possible, to connect with as many Bondholders as I can and to take the fullest advantage of this platform I have been given.

“I cannot wait to start the many conversations that I hope to have with the other Bondholders and am really looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming part of this fantastic, close knit and supportive team.”

To find out more about Victoria Dunn click here.