The founders of an independent cookware shop which opened in Felixstowe less than a year ago are celebrating after being named among the winners at the National Excellence in Housewares Awards.
Ruby & Scarlet, in Hamilton Road, was launched by Donna Johnston and Claire Noye last November with the aim of bringing to the UK the kind of kitchen retail experience more usually found in the United States.
And despite having been trading for just 11 months, the National Excellence in Housewares Awards event in London earlier this week saw them pick up the trophy for Most Promising Newcomer, which was open to businesses up to three years old.
“We found out we were finalists about six weeks ago,” said Donna. “We were nominated by some of our suppliers.”
“There were 400 people at the event, everyone from John Lewis down to people like us,” added Claire. “There were five finalists in our category and it was fantastic to win.”
Although they initially decided to focus on the shop, Donna and Claire are now preparing to take the business online too.
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