A SOFT furnishing expert has been picked as a finalist in the Creative Industry of the Year category of a prestigious business award.

Designer Vicky Callan, 43, from Newchurch, has worked in soft furnishing and interior design for more than 20 years and nearly three years ago set up on her own.

Last year she was successful in winning the networking category of the Enterprise Vision Awards and this year she is hoping to match that success in the creative category.

The EVAs is the premier awards for women in business in the North West and has many big business sponsors including Virgin Trains and Nat West Bank.

She said: “I was nominated and had to fill in an extensive form detailing the business and my history. I was then was invited to an interview in Blackpool the day before my holiday.

“Three people were interviewing and an adjudicator. I was just myself and I was not nervous; I enjoy my business so I also enjoy telling people about what I do.

“It now all comes down to the public’s vote. Anyone who wants to support me can vote for my business on EVA’s website.”

Vicky works for a range of clients and no job is too big or small from designing the interior of a solicitor’s reception and project managing a house extension to dressing one window of a home.

Last year Vicky’s business was highly commended in the Made In Rossendale and Creative categories of Rossendale Business Awards.

She said: “When you work for yourself it is nice to be recognised and nominated for an award, it is that little bit of thanks that keeps you going.

“It is also good for Rossendale to have businesses being nominated for awards like these because it gives the area a boost.”

Vicky will soon be showcasing her work inside Room Deardengate in, Haslingden, where she will also be available for consultation. This will be ready in time for Haslingden Street Fair on Sunday September 6.

Votes can be made by visiting www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk and click the link to the finalists in the Creative Industry of the Year category. Voting closes on September 12.

The award ceremony is at the Empress Ballroom at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on September 25.