A BUSINESSWOMAN has topped an Essex business poll - batting off competition from Lord Sugar.

Suzanne Howlett, who runs Howlett’s Chartered Accountants, in Elmstead Market, topped the Essex Means Business poll.

The accountant, who employs two members of staff, picked up 335 votes out of a total of 563 in the poll, in support of her work in setting up the Essex Girls in Business network, in 2012.

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She said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this title and overwhelmed by all the support I have received and would like to thank everyone who voted for me.

“I have worked hard to grow my businesses and both aim to help other small businesses grow and I like to believe are aiding other budding entrepreneurs in Essex.

“The success of Essex Girls in Business has been phenomenal and it has been fantastic to have helped start the group which now provides advice and support to over 2,000 Essex-based businesswomen.”

Marks Tey inventor Michael Pritchard, who founded Lifesaver Systems - a technology which can turn dirty water in drinking water - finished third in the poll.

Kevin Bentley, county councillor responsible for economic growth and Infrastructure, said: “Congratulations to Suzanne for winning. It has been a fantastic response to the poll, which I think is testament to the fact that it is well recognised that Essex is a county of innovation and entrepreneurship.”