Member Article

Derby Lacemaker shortlisted for British Entrepreneur Award

Louise, who is based at Connect Derby’s Friar Gate Studios, was nominated for the award in recognition of her work to teach the skill of contemporary lace making using traditional techniques.

She is widely regarded as a leading international contemporary lace artist and develops designs from traditional bobbin lacemaking techniques, specialising in the English laces of Bedfordshire and Bucks Point lace.

She travels across the world to teach her lacemaking. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, she has set up online meetings with lacemakers across the globe to offer advice and support to keep them working.

Louise beat off the challenge of more than 2,600 other entrants to reach the finals for the Midlands region. The winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony taking place on the evening of Wed 23 September.

Founded in 2013, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the hard work of entrepreneurs and businesses across the UK. Over the years, they’ve celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs, including Julie Deane OBE of Cambridge Satchel Co., Shaun Pulfrey of Tangle Teezer and James Watt of BrewDog.

Judges of the awards include Hayley Parsons, founder of Go Compare, Cath Kidston, Lord Bilimoria of Cobra Beer and Kanya King, founder of the MOBO awards.

Commenting on the award nomination, Louise said:

“I’m over the moon to have been shortlisted for the Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year Award. It’s great to have my work recognised by such a well-known organisation.

“The other creatives that have been shortlisted are all so talented and it’s a huge honour to be nominated alongside them.

“This year has been extremely busy for me with the release of my second book, hosting online workshops and a charity swim and this nomination really is the icing on the cake.”

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added:

“Congratulations to Louise for being shortlisted for such a high-profile award. She is an incredibly talented lace maker and businesswoman and has been a key member of the Connect Derby community for many years.

“She really deserves this award and I hope all her passion and dedication for her art are rewarded at the regional awards on 23 September.”

She recently published her second book, ‘Bucks Point Lace Workbook’ which features new and original patterns and designers for beginners and experts to try their hands at. The book has already sold more than 200 copies, with orders coming in from as far afield as Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, Taiwan and USA.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Donna Hill .