A WINCHESTER woman scored first place at a county-wide award ceremony.

Suzy Dierckx, who founded the social media management company SociableSuzy in January, topped the ‘Reach for the Stars’ category at the first Hampshire Women’s Business Awards.

The mum-of-three started her company using the skills she acquired during a 14-year marketing career, as she wanted to be able to look after her young family whilst working.

She said: “To be just 10 months into my freelancing life and winning a county award, is an absolute honour. I hope it inspires other women - and men - to follow their dreams and go for it. You just need belief.”

Suzy’s experience so far has included running the community social media campaign ‘Windependents’ across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More than 180 businesswomen and their guests were at the award ceremony, organised by Trudy Simmons, who runs the Hampshire Women’s Facebook group.

She set up the online group last year to provide women across the county a place to receive support and advice to help expand their businesses.

The group now has 2,800 members with a wide range of entrepreneurial backgrounds.

Trudy said: “The Awards evening was a very special night and it was amazing to see so many tenacious and dedicated businesswomen in one room. The atmosphere was electric.

“I would like to congratulate all our winners and finalists. Each one of them demonstrates excellent service and a great business mind.

“I am delighted with how many entries we received and how many votes were cast. Women in business need to be celebrated.

“There is still a misconception that female business owners are just running hobby businesses - that is not the case and the amount of strong, inspirational business women that have been involved in these Awards demonstrates that.”