FOR most new shops, the first year is all about learning to stand out and make a profit.

But one Oxford businesswoman was named Bridal Retailer of the Year at a awards ceremony – just one year after opening in the city.

Ellie Sanderson, from Benson, opened her first bridal boutique in 2007 in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.

Last year, she opened a shop in Little Clarendon Street. And last week, she was named Bridal Retailer of the Year 2011 at the Bridal Buyer Awards.

Mrs Sanderson said: “I’ve been in retail for about 20 years, but I had always wanted to be involved with bridal retail.

“And opening in Oxford was always a target for me – there just weren’t any adequate spaces available when I was looking four years ago.”

The boutique sells gowns and accessories from British designers including Sassi Holford and Suzanne Neville.

Mrs Sanderson said: “We’re not a wedding factory, we don’t want to deal with thousands of brides. We want to deal with hundreds and do it perfectly.

“This is an addictive industry to be in. You’re surrounded by the most beautiful dresses and are a special part of a girl’s most important day.”

The award was presented by This Morning TV fashion expert John Scott at a ceremony in Harrogate.

More than 700 people from the world of bridal fashion attended.

Mrs Sanderson said: “It’s like the Oscars of the bridal world. I am still floating on cloud nine after winning this fabulous accolade.”

The award is now on show in the Oxford store, which sells dresses from about £1,750 to about £2,500.

She added: “There a few things that I feel set us apart from other retailers.

“It is important that the shop itself is a beautiful environment, we try and make it like bridal heaven – light and airy, but decadent and opulent.

“And we stock only British wedding dresses and I’m very proud of that fact. I’m quite patriotic about it. We also make sure all our staff are just as passionate about what they are selling as I am.”

Mrs Sanderson worked for two decades in retail management for companies including Marks & Spencer.

She said: “I always tell people you have to learn your onions before you go into any business. I had 20 years of retail experience. It’s not easy running two shops. But I always told people this is what I wanted to do, and here I am doing it.”