Carlisle entrepreneur has been named Businesswoman of the Year.

Vanessa Brown, founder of Carlisle-based VL Aesthetics, was given the award at The Signature Business Awards, organised by The Business Influencer magazine.

The event took place at London's Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, with 500 people in attendance.

The 29-year-old, who is also head of sales and marketing for US-based laser treatment company Emerald EMEA, was up against nine other women in her category.

Ms Brown said: "This has been an incredible honour, especially considering the outstanding talent of the nine other women in my category.

"Each finalist brought an inspiring level of dedication and innovation to their fields, and it was a privilege to stand alongside them.

"This recognition represents not only my personal accomplishments but also the progress and passion driving women in business today.

"My journey here has been shaped by years of dedication to both my career and the aesthetics industry.

"I have worked tirelessly to raise standards within the medical aesthetics space.

"My goal has always been to champion safe procedures and to ensure that clients receive the highest quality care, elevating the entire industry in the process.

"In addition to my leadership roles, I’m deeply committed to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration.

"Through my ‘Late Late Aesthetics Show’ podcast, I connect with fellow experts to discuss the latest advancements, challenges, and trends in the aesthetics world.

"This platform allows me to advocate for safety, innovation, and authenticity, aligning with my mission of setting new benchmarks for quality in our field.

"Winning this award is not just a personal milestone – it’s a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and ambition that has fuelled my journey.

Ms Brown added that this was also a reflection of the support she had received from colleagues, mentors, and clients.

She said: "This recognition motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and achieving excellence in everything I do.”