A mid Suffolk art gallery has been nominated for two prestigious business award only a year after opening. 

Sakura Studio Gallery in an art space which showcases independent artists and provides a space for visitors to experiment with their own creativity with workshops on offer in the studio. 

Albany Tripp founded the business, which is located at Stonham Barns, in February 2023 and has been nominated for two UK StartUp Awards. 

It is shortlisted for rural start up of the year and creative start up of the year in the East of England. 

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East Anglian Daily Times: Albany Tripp, owner of Sakura Studio GalleryAlbany Tripp, owner of Sakura Studio Gallery (Image: MadHouse PR)

Ms Tripp said: "I can't express how grateful I am to be able to have this art space where I am able to create this art space where I am able to create and share my love for art, support and exhibit other artists and share our creative passions with workshops while raising my young son and his soon to come little sibling.

"The as a young business at 13 months old to receive the news that my little creative space is a regional finalist in not one, but two categories is just amazing."

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More than 900 business have been shortlisted for this year's UK StartUp Awards - all of which started in the last three years.

"Start up businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs innovation and wealth creation across the UK," said Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, who set up the awards in 2022.

"All the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through their sheer hard work, talent and perseverance, have created amazing new businesses that are creating real impact in their sectors."

The winners from each region will be invited to the first UK final taking place at Ideas Fest on September 21.