A BASINGSTOKE businesswoman scooped Young Businessperson of the Year at last week’s Inspire Awards.

Laura Fisher, of Laura Fisher Illustrations, was awarded the prize for her work in luxury illustrated homeware.

Following the presentation, the 22-year-old said:“I didn’t expect it at all. It’s just been a year since I left my full-time job! It feels really nice."

Laura, from Cranbourne, has previously wowed customers in the town with her designs. In April 2020, she created 100 prints of Captain Tom to mark his 100th birthday, with 80 per cent of profits donated to the NHS Charities Together fund.

Laura Fisher Illustrations, which opened in 2019 in the Viables Craft Centre, has grown from strength to strength. Last year, the team partnered with clothing brand Joules, and Laura was also one of the local artists to participate in this year’s Hampshire Hogs trail.

When asked about her future endeavours, Laura said: “From next week I am just about to launch at John Lewis.

“We have grown to a team of five and I am looking to expand further in the future.”

Laura, who previously worked in the IT sector, got back into art when she was unwell and bored, and was looking for a hobby to keep herself occupied.

She drew a picture of her family home as a gift for her mum, before expanding into digital art.