JUGGLING life as a mum and a new business is never easy but Amy Cotter must have found the answer as she is celebrating being crowned the winner of a national award.

As reported previously in the Journal, the 28-year-old launched Sensoriel CIC in October last year which offers a mobile multi-sensory service to adults and children with disabilities.

Now less than 12 months on from setting up the company, the mum-of-two has scooped a 2014 Enterprise Vision Award.

Amy, of Sandy Lane, said: “It felt like an amazing achievement to make the final of the EVAs so to then go on and be named the winner is just fantastic. We were up against so many great businesses that it is truly a great honour.”

The Enterprise Vision Awards were launched in 2011 by Coral Horn, founder of the Pink Link Ladies networking group, and they aim to highlight the achievements of entrepreneurial women from across the north west.

Amy travels to care homes, supported-living and children’s centres with specialist equipment allowing people to benefit from hour-long therapy sessions.

Amy said: “I go in and create a multi-sensory room by blacking out the windows and I have lots of sensory toys and equipment that help people who can’t always use their senses to full advantage.

“It is a new way for them to interact and communicate as it is relaxing, and we’ve had some really good results with people who are uncommunicative, angry or even aggressive.

“The award isn’t just for me as there are so many people that support Sensoriel CIC, including our management team, steering committee, friends and family who all do so much to help raise the funds which are vital to keep us doing the work that we do.”

Amy, who has two daughters, Elouise and Amelie, is planning to open a sensory centre and community cafe within the next few months.