A businesswoman who set up a networking group for female entrepreneurs has won the Essex Means Business entrepreneurs poll – beating Lord (Alan) Sugar in the process.

Suzanne Howlett, who runs Howlett’s Chartered Accountants in Colchester, received 335 of the 563 votes cast in the Essex County Council poll, conducted as part of its Essex Means Business campaign.

Voters were asked to choose from a list of 21 Essex entrepreneurs, ranging from well-known personalities including Lord Sugar to new starters.

Howlett’s Chartered Accountants caters for small to medium enterprises and, following recent growth, now employs two people as well as its founder. In 2012, Suzanne set up Essex Girls in Business, a networking group which supports businesswomen across the county, with active social media groups and networking events.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this title and overwhelmed by all the support I have received and would like to thank everyone who voted for me.”

Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for economic growth and infrastructure, said: “It has been a fantastic response to the poll, which I think is testament to the fact that it is well recognised that Essex is a county of innovation and entrepreneurship.”