A woman who worked her way up from customer service to the head of buying at a Norwich wine company has won a national award.
Sophie Lord, 38, was named UK Wine Buyer of the Year in the Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 - known as the Oscars of the wine industry.
She started at Virgin Wines when she was 22 in the customer services department and over the last 16 years has risen through the ranks to one of the top roles in the business.
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She was praised by judges as a "great role model’ and "a real team player".
Ms Lord said: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured that Decanter would recognise me in this way.
"Although it is my name on the award, it is a win for the entire Virgin Wines buying team, without whom I wouldn’t be where I am now, as well as our fantastic CEO Jay Wright and my managers over the years who have always championed me and given me opportunities to learn and progress.”
Virgin Wines is based in St James Mill in the city and it sells more than 700 different varieties online.
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