TAMARA Roberts, CEO of Ridgeview Wine Estate at Ditchling Common, was named Entrepreneur of the Year at a gala ceremony at the Copthorne Effingham Hotel near Gatwick.

She won the the award at the 11th annual South East Dealmaker Awards which aim to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the corporate finance community.

She said: “It is a great honour.

“It is a wonderful reward for all the hard work that has gone into the growth of Ridgeview which really is a team effort.

“To be nominated by my peers also reflects how highly regarded the English sparkling wine industry has become within the South East business community.”

Tamara Roberts took over as CEO of her family business in 2014.

Ridgeview is the proud winner of numerous international trophies and its wine is served regularly at Buckingham Palace and is the official sparkling wine of No 10 Downing Street.

Leading the way in export of English sparkling wine, Ridgeview can now be found in 12 countries around the world.

Tamara is actively involved within the local business community.