The owner of an Ipswich womenswear store which has become a staple of the town centre was "elated" to discover she had won a prestigious regional award.
Owner of DJV Boutique Mandy Errington, 52, has just been awarded self employed/freelancer of the year 2023 at the Federation of Small Business Awards.
"I was elated when I received the call to say I'd won," said Mrs Errington.
"I have received national recognition before, but this one is much more poignant as it's closer to home."
During the application process, Mrs Errington was asked a series of questions in relation to her business, which has been open for more than 10 years and is situated in Cox Lane.
"It's a community-driven store and I put effort into attracting both Ipswich residents and people from further afield," she said.
"DJV Boutique is known for being different - daring, jazzy and versatile."
Candy Richards, development manager for the Federation of Small Business, said: "A forward-thinking and innovative business, DJV Boutique owner Mandy Errington has demonstrated significant business success through her passion for fashion and top-class customer service."
This is not Mrs Errington's first dalliance with national recognition, as she was named as one of the UK's most inspirational businesswomen in F:entrepreneur's top 100 in 2021 and was also shortlisted in the Suffolk Business Awards the same year.
The Ipswich boutique was also listed in the SmallBiz100 in the UK and Mrs Errington was selected as a finalist in the National Boutique Star Awards 'Best Womenswear Independent' category last year.
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DJV Boutique will now progress to compete in the UK finals in Birmingham, with the national winners announced in May.
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