A DROITWICH soap company is celebrating after winning one of the first ever Worcestershire Business Awards.

Bubblicious Soaps, based in Droitwich, came out as winner in the Creative Business category at an awards evening in Sixways Stadium in Worcester.

The business, which makes delicious looking soaps in the shape of cakes, competed against others from across the county, attracting votes from members of the public, before being whittled down by a panel of five judges.

Ruth Ward from Bubblicious Soaps, said: “I was up against some fabulous companies. You hope you’ll win but it’s never any guarantee. I just work from my home-based studio and sell online. I do regular local events and supply shops on a wholesale basis, and Mr Kipling has endorsed my Battenburg slice soaps and my Fondant Fancy soaps. They’ve even featured them on their website.

“Making soaps was just another of the crafts that I’ve tried. It’s been a whirlwind really. I never expected it to be as successful as it is. I just adore making them. I open the door every morning to my studio and I’m in my element.”

Councillor Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: “It was a great night; the awards are a fitting way to celebrate the success of not just the businesses themselves but the Enterprising Worcestershire programme, which in just two years has attracted nearly 2,000 enquiries, given pre-start support to over 900 individuals and 359 newly established businesses, helping to create 180 new businesses and over 200 new jobs.

“Enterprising Worcestershire has pledged to support a further 250 newly established businesses over the next 12 months, so we want to hear from anyone who is considering self-employment or has already started a business that is less than two years old.”

Other categories awarded on the night included Best Growth Business and High Street Business, Best Ethical Trading Business, Most Innovative Business, and Best New Start Up Business.

45 businesses were nominated overall for the five awards. To find out more about Bubblicious Soaps, visit bubblicioussoaps.com.