Two Sussex women have been presented with national awards in recognition of their achievements in the small business environment.

Fiona Shafer, from business support organisation Sussex Enterprise, and Samantha Ruffell-Smith, of dog accessory company K9 by Igloo Designs, both won awards from the Small Firms' Enterprise Development Initiative.

The awards were presented at the Bank of England in London by the bank's deputy governor David Clementi and Martin Wyn Griffith, chief executive of the Small Business Service.

Fiona, a senior business advisor with the Burgess Hill-based organisation, said: "This award is recognition the support Sussex Enterprise business advisers give to small and growing businesses really makes a difference to their success.

"I'm equally proud one of my clients won the Home Business Award.

Samantha has worked hard to develop a unique idea into a successful business that now has customers worldwide."

K9 by Igloo Designs produces designer T-shirts and accessories for dogs.

The company was launched in Brighton in September 2000 and supplies products to major companies, such as Debenhams, The Gadget Shop and five UK airlines.

The range includes T-shirts in three colours and ten designs packaged in silver dog food tins, overnight and holiday bags, sold on their own or packed with doggy essentials, and identity discs and keyrings.

As part of the high growth start-up programme, Samantha received advice from Sussex Enterprise, which helped her to secure a small firms loan guarantee grant from NatWest.

Samantha said: "A homebased business can be a practical way of running a company.

"Working from home means I have low overheads, I don't have the inconvenience of commuting every day and the latest technology means I can do business across the world without leaving my house.

"I hope my success will encourage other budding entrepreneurs to take the plunge and start up their own businesses.

"Fiona has been a fantastic mentor for me.

My business has expanded rapidly and she has been there to give guidance and direction."

Samantha started off in marketing but she always had an interest in fashion and design. After attending a course on silk-screen printing, she decided to change the direction of her career.