A Cumbrian businesswoman is celebrating after scooping a top prize in an awards ceremony.

Lisa Jackson, of Acorn Marketing, was named solo business of the year at the Enterprise Vision Awards.

It is the second time Mrs Jackson, of Penrith, has won in the solo category, having picked up the gong at last year’s event.

She was presented with the title in front of around 600 guests at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

Mrs Jackson, who set up Acorn Marketing in 2011 after being made redundant, said she was “very emotional” when she was announced as the second-time winner.

“There was no way I was going to win a second time and then they called my name and I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

“I felt like I deserved the award this year having gone through such a traumatic year.”

Mrs Jackson gave birth to her daughter April prematurely after suffering from pre-eclampsia.

She weighed just 2lb 5oz. While she was in hospital, Mrs Jackson continued with the business when she had spare time.

“Work was my escape during that difficult time,” she added.

“I think people voted for me because last year, while I was pregnant, I changed my business model and worked on dedicated projects on a retainer basis.

“I now have the best of both worlds, where I get to see April and still run the business for 20 hours a week.”

The winners were selected by a panel of judges, taking into account the results of an online public vote.

The awards have been running for the last six years and showcase the hard work, determination and talent of businesswomen across the north west.

Coral Horn, founder of the Pink Link Ladies networking group and organiser of the awards, said: “It was a truly memorable evening and winners thoroughly deserved their awards.

“I do think that this year was the toughest for our esteemed judges.

“All of our finalists should be rightfully over the moon at such an achievement when you look at the company they kept in each category.”