A University College Birmingham graduate and entrepreneur has won two awards at a prestigious regional ceremony highlighting excellence in businesses across the county of Northamptonshire.

After much hard work and dedication, Eleanor Broome scooped the titles of Best Small Business and Best Food and Drink Producer at the second annual Northants Life Awards. 

Eleanor, who graduated from the Birmingham College of Food with a first-class honours degree in Bakery and Patisserie Technology, began running her business, Els Bakes, from her parents’ home. Although she only started training formally as a baker while at University, a flair for food runs in her family, and she was drawn to the kitchen at a very young age. “My mum is an amazing cook, both savoury and sweet," she said. "She always used to bake cakes for friends and family and I liked to get involved. I just fell in love with baking."

Achieving regional recognition

In order to win at the Northants Life Awards, Eleanor was nominated by the general public. She overcame over 60,000 other entries for the nominations, and best four other local businesses in a public vote for each category in the final reckoning. 

The awards ceremony took place at the elegant and historic Chester House Estate in Wellingborough on Thursday 18 July. Guests were treated to a two-course meal with canapes, while others were able to take part through a livestream.

On receiving news of her success, Eleanor was beaming with pride. “I’m thrilled to have won both of the awards I was nominated for," she said.

“Working up to this point has sometimes been incredibly hard, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing as it led me to this moment in life right now.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the journey I’ve been on. University College Birmingham made me believe I could do it, and without them, I wouldn’t be living my dream every day.”