A Sutton business owner has been crowned the 'Franchisee of the Year' at the 2017 National Startups Awards to end an unforgettable year.

Hannah Drury, 26, is a single mum and owner of Caremark Sutton who has now accepted her third business award in under six months.

She has owned the care home provider company based on Lind Road since 2015 and manages 50 employees.

The Startups Awards ceremony was held at the Royal Garden Hotel in London on November 30.

Ms Drury, who is also studying for a psychology degree, said: "It was incredible to win. To be recognised for the work I've done, alongside all the other incredible entrepreneurs, was a true honour.

"It was a wonderful evening and I was so inspired by everyone that I met at the event."

The mum-of-two is not pausing to celebrate for long and is already targetting a successful 2018.

She added: "Whilst it was great to take the time to celebrate my past successes, I continue to be very conscious on a daily basis of the ethos, values and message that are being delivered throughout the company.

"I love this company so much and will settle for nothing but the best in every respect. I notice everything and encourage everyone to strive for higher standards all the time, to ensure our clients are receiving the absolute best care and support.

“Equally important to me is the wellbeing of my staff, so I ensure I am very involved and in tune with all my staff, listening to any queries, concerns or complaints, making sure they are looked after and enabled to thrive in their working environment.

"There is so much heart and soul in our company and it's the passion from myself and everyone in the team that keeps it alive and so special."

Ms Drury was also granted the British Franchise Association's Young Franchisee of the Year and overall Franchisee of the Year in June.