A small business owner has been named innovator of the year at a prestigious awards ceremony thanks to her unique jewellery made from craft beer cans. 

Carys Miles, 40, from Copford, received the Innovation of the Year award at The Small Business Awards. 

She said: “I was one of twelve finalists in my category, and I was really surprised when I found out I won.” 

The ceremony saw 15 categories presented to business owners at the Raddison Blu in Stansted.

Gazette: Business - Carys Miles turned her love for craft beer into a unique business for jewellery Business - Carys Miles turned her love for craft beer into a unique business for jewellery (Image: Carys Miles) 

Categories included Young Entrepreneur, Health and Wellbeing Small Business, Family Run Small Business and the Customer Service Award. 

She said: “It was an absolutely beautiful ceremony, and it was great to be there and enjoy my professional achievements. 

“But it was also great to speak to so many other business owners, see what drives small businesses and hear about their work and journeys.” 

Mrs Mile’s business Craft BEERings transforms the stunning artwork of beverage cans into accessories and jewellery. 

She said: “It was less about winning for me but to hear from the judging panel and all the compliments that I’ve gotten. 

Gazette: Designs - Artwork of craft beer cans become a second life as unique and fashionable jewellery at Craft BEERingsDesigns - Artwork of craft beer cans become a second life as unique and fashionable jewellery at Craft BEERings (Image: Carys Miles)

“Sometimes it feels hard to take on a compliment, but it really gave me a confidence boost. 

“And it also showed that it is not just a paid hobby anymore, but it is a recognised business.” 

Looking forward, Mrs Miles is determined to continue to follow her passion and be creative with her unique upcycling projects. 

The idea for Craft BEERings started five years ago when she and her husband Pete discovered their shared passion for craft beer. 

Turning the artwork into accessories gave her a creative outlet and her designs were taken up quickly. 

Gazette: Proud - Carys celebrated her achievements with other small business ownersProud - Carys celebrated her achievements with other small business owners (Image: Shootitmomma & rees.images)

“This award has shown me that I’m doing something really good and that it is innovative," she said. 

“I’m excited to keep going and do what I love, even though it is still difficult to sell in a cost of living crisis, where people are more careful about what they spend their money on. 

“But I want to also listen to my customers and their feedback, I recently added studs and cufflinks to my range.”