THIS award recognises excellence in business and entrepreneurship – and Lauren Hart’s meteoric rise makes her a very worthy nominee.

The Loughborough University graduate opened her florist Bluebell and Ivy in May 2016 and moved to her new premises in Queen Street, Ulverston in March as part of its expansion.

She has three part-time staff, but Lauren certainly isn’t resting on her laurels and is already planning her next move.

She said: “I’ve always wanted my own business, so I decided to just go for it. I worked in a florist previously, so I had the skill set.

“And after I graduated from university, I worked for textile designer Margo Selby in Kent, but I had the idea for the Bluebell and Ivy brand and thought I’d go for it and it’s been amazing.

“We try and do things a little differently. Young people want different things from florists these days and we have found a niche.

“With my background in textiles, I would like to introduce that into my business, and maybe move into corporate events as that’s big business in the Lake District.

“The fact that we have been nominated for this award says to me that we are not only doing good things for our customers but people in the business community are also appreciative of what we are doing.

“We are looking ahead for the next move, but these are very exciting times for us.

“We have only been going two years so it’s fantastic to get this honour.”