A Wensleydale author and businesswoman is celebrating after winning an award.
Hannah Russell won the Retailer of the Year 2022 at the Yorkshire Prestige Awards 22/23.
Hannah, Little Alf and friends’ was established by Hannah Russell in 2014 after she wrote her first story about Little Alf, the pint sized miniature Shetland.
Hannah has now written 17 books published with number 18 due to be published shortly.
In the last three years Hannah developed a merchandise range to go alongside the children’s stories which includes mugs, coasters, chopping boards and a clothing range for babies, children and adults.
The judges said they loved Hannah’s unusual and innovative idea of adapting the children’s stories in to a merchandise range and building up a strong global customer base.
They were particularly impressed by Hannah’s online store.
Hannah said: “It’s lovely to be recognised as a business.
“I’ve been growing Hannah, Little Alf and friends for a number of years now and designed the website myself and have continued to put a lot of time and energy in to the brand, especially over the last year, the business has had over two million monthly views online and the customer base is growing globally each week, so I’m honoured to receive this award for my product.
“I still have a lot of plans for the business and how I want to grow it in the future.
“I’ve recently moved house and have plans to open up a visitors centre for people to come along and meet the animal including Little Alf.”
Hannah attended the prestige awards this December and collected her trophy and certificate.
