By Philip Sedgwick

A TEENAGE business woman from North Yorkshire has finished as a runner-up at a national enterprise awards evening.

Having been shortlisted in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, at the age of 19 Hannah Russell who lives near Leyburn is already a successful author and businesswoman.

Two years ago she launched her 'Little Alf' series of books and has since branched out with a clothing range. Her latest venture is magazine based on the adventures of the diminutive but lovable Shetland pony.

After being shortlisted along with 600 other young budding business owners, the list was whittled down to just four finalists. Accompanied by her mother Sharon, Miss Russell travelled to the glittering showbiz evening final held at the Lancaster Hotel London.

Despite a strong challenge from Miss Russell, the category was won by a London- based firm and she came away as a runner-up. She said: "Just to be shortlisted down to the final four I felt very proud; so to come runner-up felt amazing.

"The winners had an amazing company too, they had a flood protection system which helps people in desperate situations. To hear their story and journey was really nice."

After the evening’s business was concluded Miss Russell managed to chat with many of the events guests. These included: Singer Wynne Evans or Gio Compario from the Go Compare advertisements, contestants from the BBC television series the Apprentice, successful business leaders and sporting stars.

Nick James, Great British Entrepreneur Awards Founder said: "Entrepreneurs are the wealth creators and the lifeblood of the UK economy.

"The standard of this year’s awards’ finalists shows just how much talent there is to support in the UK."

In the New Year Miss Russell will continue writing and intends to hold more book signings in order to meet the many fans of Little Alf. See littlealf.com for further information.

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