Debbie Bryan specialises in creating design led craft based pieces, committed to a handmade local ethos that ensures quality and unique character in each scarf, brooch and pair of cuff links. She was the winner of the Nottingham Creative Business Award for Craft in the awards first year in 2007.

Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop at 18 St. Mary's Gate in the Lace Market will officially open on Thursday 18^th June 2009 from 5-8pm.

Located in the Heart of Nottingham's Historic Lace Market, the shop sells Debbie Bryan studio collections; fashion accessories & haberdashery and the very best in craft, fashion homeware and design from specialist makers.

Speaking about her past award and shop launch Debbie Bryan said: "I had been running my business for about year and half when I entered the awards, winning the craft award gave me a lot of confidence about my collections and my expectations for the business.

"Being able to say that I was an award winning designer definitely helped me stand out from competitors and be a part of Nottingham's ever expanding creative business community.

"The recognition it gave my work locally, nationally and internationally has played a significant part in me opening a new studio and shop in the city centre.

"On the strength of what I've achieved I would encourage any creative business to enter the appropriate award in can only advance their progress of their business."

This year's awards were launched at the beginning of June and businesses and individuals working in the city's creative industries are being encouraged to enter so their successes can be recognised and celebrated to help raise Nottingham's profile as hotbed of globally influential talent.

Richard Kent, Project Leader for Business Growth, Economic Development, at Nottingham City Council, said: "We want to continue with the success of previous years by encouraging as many businesses and individuals in the creative sector as possible to enter for awards.

"These awards give us the opportunity to show the world how much excellent creative and innovative work is going on around the city and are a great tribute to all the established and emerging creative individuals and businesses our exciting city has.

"As a council we are committed to promote and develop the creative industries as a key sector of the city's economy and this is why we are a candidate city for the World Design Capital in 2012. The international recognition many of them have has helped put Nottingham on the creative map and begun to be recognised as a highly credible cultural capital."

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 7^th October at The Council House.

Deadline for entrants is Friday 31st July 2009 at 5pm. PLEASE NOTE the deadline for the Writing and Publishing award, Film and TV award and Music and Performing Arts award is Wednesday 1st July 2009 at 5pm and may relate to work created or designed in the previous two years. Self-nomination or nominations by a third party are acceptable.

Confirmed sponsors for the awards are:

Architecture, Urban & Interior Design – Greater Nottingham Partnership

Music & Performing Arts – New College Nottingham

Product Design – Nottingham City Council

Writing & Publishing – The Arts Council

Graphics & Advertising – St Tropez

Fashion & Textiles – Nottingham Trent University

Digital Media – South Nottingham College

Visual Arts – One Nottingham

For further information on the categories and application process then please visit: Nottingham Creative Business Awards 2009

All media are welcome to attend the launch of Debbie Bryan Shop and Studio at 18 St Mary's Gate, Lace Market, Nottingham on Thursday 18^th June 2009 from 5-8pm.