A BRADFORD businesswoman has won a prestigious national award which celebrates female entrepreneurs.

Keelham Farm Shop’s Victoria Robertshaw was announced yesterday as the winner of the NatWest everywoman of the year award for 2017.

She was singled out by judges for her business acumen and the tenacity she showed to overcome the obstacles faced in creating a successful business.

Mrs Robertshaw, 48, is co-owner of the family-run business, which has shops in Thornton and Skipton, and employs 320 people.

She took over the business after her father died in 2006, using the expertise and experience she gained from working in accountancy and corporate strategy for some of the UK’s biggest retailers, to transform the business.

In addition she has taken the business from generating £2 million a year, to an annual turnover of £21 million, producing and selling fresh produce to more than 1 million customers in the last 12 months alone.

Mrs Robertshaw told the Telegraph & Argus that winning the main award had come as a great shock, as she had been shortlisted in a different category.

“I’m really pleased. It’s great for Keelham and great for Bradford to have a home-bred talent winning such an award.

“I can’t wait to show the team the award, as they are the ones who make Keelham work.”

Keelham’s concept aims to support local producers and farmers, make great tasting food affordable, offer exceptional taste with minimal waste, as well as making a difference for the community.

Maxine Benson, co-founder at everywoman said: “Every year we meet pioneering and innovative women who have overcome many challenges to build incredibly successful businesses.”

She added: “We want to congratulate this year’s winners and finalists who will go on to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs contributing immensely to the UK economy and demonstrate that with fearlessness and boldness, anything is possible.”

Julie Baker, head of enterprise at NatWest said: “We are very proud to recognise these women, who are not just successful in their own businesses, but are also great role models. The importance of women in business cannot be underestimated, so we hope these role models will inspire other women to take their first steps in business.”