AN entrepreneur with a taste for the finer things in life has celebrated bagging a prestigious award.
Judith Wren, creator of Kin Toffee Vodka, attended the National Women in Business Awards 2016 where she was crowned Regional Winner in the Start Up Business category at the glitzy ceremony held in Manchester.
The Newby Bridge resident went head-to-head with seven other companies and will now represent the North West, Wales and Ireland at the National Grand Final, which takes place in Leeds in December.
Mrs Wren said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be short listed and for once in my life I am speechless.
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"I will face a judging panel and answer questions about the business and how I manage it, what my vision is, where I think it will go - it's slightly nerve-wracking, like a big job interview."
The businesswoman was initially put forward for her award by Sharon Marshall at her local HSBC branch.
Her French apres-ski inspired tipple is already stocked across the North by Booths supermarkets and on sale in London in John Lewis.
The spirit will even make a guest appearance at Manchester's Christmas Market this year and discussions are in place with online firm Moon Pig.
In what has been a busy year, even a nomination for the national award has thrilled the vodka connoisseur and despite the hard work, she is a passionate advocate for women getting involved in the world of business.
She said: "You've got to believe in yourself and your product - you will get knocked back but keep it up.
"Take advice and ask for it when you need it, there's a lot of help out there and a lot of people who are not in it for profit and will advise you.
"Keep up your confidence, and keep the faith."
The awards aim to recognise and reward talented women across the UK and were created to celebrate pioneering women from enterprise and business.
Mrs Wren and her luxury toffee vodka brand will face a judging panel in Manchester early next month before attending the official awards evening in December.
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