Creative and business Awards
Susan Holton Knitwear : an award winning knitwear business
I am so proud of all of my creative and business awards. But I am perhaps most proud to have been selected as a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen in early 2022.
Business awards
I have been fortunate enough to win business competitions run by entrepreneurs Theo Paphitis (for his #SBS competition) and Jaqueline Gold (for her #WOW competition), and to be a finalist in Muddy Stilettos Surrey.
Muddy Stilettos (Surrey) ‘In love with local’
Susan Holton Knitwear was a finalist in 2019 in the Muddy Stilettos Surrey ‘In love with local’ awards. Sadly, I didn’t win, but I’m delighted to have been one of the 6 finalists.
Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday (#SBS)
On 1 May 2016 my business was selected by entrepreneur Theo Paphitis as a winner of his #SBS (Small Business Sunday) award on Twitter. Every Sunday evening thousands of small businesses enter #SBS by sending Theo a tweet about their businesses; Theo chooses 6 winners each week. I entered unsuccessfully for about 18 months, and I was very proud when I was finally selected in 2016. I’ve written about my #SBS win here.
Jacqueline Gold’s Women on Wednesday (#WOW)
Jacqueline Gold (CEO of Ann Summers) supports female-led small businesses with her #WOW (Women on Wednesday) competition. Jacqueline selects three winners from the many entries she receives each week. She looks for businesses offering quality products and excellent customer service, and I was delighted to be selected as one of her winners in 2015. Jacqueline is a role model for female entrepreneurs and offers huge encouragement to her #wow winners. If you would like to know more, I’ve written about my #WOW win here.
Creative awards and selections
Society of Designer Craftsmen
I am absolutely delighted to say that I have recently been selected as a full member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen. This highly respected organisation was formed in 1887; Walter Crane was its founding president, William Morris was the Society’s second president.
I am thrilled to have been selected to be a member of this prestigious craft organisation whose members are professional designer-makers across various craft disciplines including ceramics, wood, metal, glass and textiles; they are creative thinkers, designers and makers who continue to innovate through their exploration of materials and skills.
Crafts Council Directory
I am also delighted to be able to say that my knitwear and accessories have been selected by the Crafts Council for inclusion in its makers’ directory. Read more about the Crafts Council Directory here.
Surrey Guild of Craftsmen
In 2004 when my knitwear business was still fairly new, I was selected as a member of Surrey Guild of Craftsmen. Selection is based on the quality of the work and it’s an accolade I’m proud of. Although I am no longer a Guild member I have great affection for the organisation and I continue to support Guild members in their various exhibitions and events.