An entrepreneur from St Albans has been named Young Business Person of the Year at a countywide awards ceremony.

Kerri Lewis from the Skin to Love dermatology clinic won the gong at the SME Hertfordshire Business Awards 2017.

The judges were looking for a young entrepreneur who not only had proven management skills and business success but also showed they had developed along with the success of their business.

Kerri, who turned 30 in December, was up against strong competition from young entrepreneurs from Tudor Lodge Consultants, Priority Medical Care and Amby’s Beauty.

The Skin to Love Clinic has had phenomenal success in the four years since Kerri set up the business with her mother Jane. This recognition for her achievements is more remarkable when you consider that she had no previous business or management experience.

She and Jane started the business when she was doing her final year university exams.

What makes her journey even more impressive is that, unlike most family businesses, she and her mum began the company together as equal partners.

Kerri was delighted to win the award, saying: “These awards are a wonderful way to highlight the many amazing businesses across Hertfordshire and it’s such an honour to have won.

“A huge thank you to my team for all of their support, mentoring and hard work. I think that having categories for young people is a great way of encouraging them in business, which can be a daunting world to step into.”