The award for Best Exporter, sponsored by QA Travel, was presented by Shauna Burns to Sinead Murphy of Shnuggle (centre). Also pictured is Imelda McMillan, chair of Women in Business.

Sinead Murphy of Shnuggle in Newtownards won the award for Best Exporter at the Women in Business Awards held in the Ramada Plaza, Belfast.

The judges said; “Sinead has been on this stage before in a different category – and now she’s rewarded for driving her impressive product into new and diverse international markets, from Portugal, Morocco and Spain, to Brazil and China. External sales now account for more than half of this company’s revenue, and an exciting growth phase beckons.”

Commenting on her win, Sinead said; "Shnuggle is a rapidly growing, small business and being awarded 'Best Exporter' is a real honour. The talent among the Northern Ireland businesswomen is phenomenal which makes this award so special. Exporting this year has been even more challenging but thankfully the Nursery Industry remains strong and 2017 looks even better."

Thirteen other trophies were handed out on a night of glitz, glamour and high entertainment as more than 400 from the local business community gathered for what has become the defining event for female entrepreneurs and women-led businesses across Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the winners, Women in Business chief executive Roseann Kelly said; “They are all women with vision and determination, qualities that have contributed to their success. Some lead businesses that are household names, others will achieve that recognition in the future. All are joined by a common goal to succeed and to inspire.”

Ms Kelly added that The Ramada Plaza was teeming with inspirational women, not least special guest speakers, former Tanaiste Mary Harney, and founder of one of the world’s leading provider of talent acquisition and management services, Rosaleen Blair.

“They are such fantastic role models not just for females in business but the business community as a whole.

“Indeed, everyone in the room tonight should be proud of the role they play and contribution they make to our economy.

“The Awards are all about shining a light on achievements – big and small - and encouraging the next generation of female business women to be just as inspired and successful.”

The judging panel for this year’s Awards included Imelda McMillan (chair, Women in Business); Ellvena Graham (chair, NI Economic Advisory Group); Evelyn Collins (chief executive, Equality Commission for NI); Hester Larkin (Global Client Partner, Alexander Mann Solutions; Roseann Kelly (chief executive, Women in Business); and Gary McDonald (Irish News business editor).