Sweet and Tasty Business Award for Heather

Donaghadee woman, Heather Boyle, has been named Business Woman of the Year at the Ulster Tatler People of the Year Awards.

Heather is Managing Director of luxury hand-made desserts company, A Slice of Heaven, based in Newtownards. Since taking over the business in 2008, she has taken A Slice of Heaven from the brink of closure to a successful, profitable, growing business in just 4 years. She has increased employment from 2 to 12 people and turnover has risen by 600%.

The company's desserts and cheesecakes are now sold through local retailers and through food service customers, where they are served up in top restaurants and cafes across Ireland. Last year, Heather landed a contract with a major food service customer in London.

Heather shared the stage at a glittering ceremony in Belfast City Hall with fellow award-winners including "the godfather of punk" Terri Hooley, winner of The Apprentice 2013, Derry woman Dr Leah Totton, and Cliftonville manager Tommy Breslin.

Ulster Tatler editor Chris Sherry said, "These awards are a real celebration of the highly-talented people we have here in Northern Ireland and the readers of Ulster Tatler and the public gave their wholehearted support to the awards by nominating an incredible array of people."

Competition in the Business Woman of the Year category was stiff, with three other very strong finalists including Tracy Gilligan of Therapie Clinic & Optilase, Julie Hastings, Marketing Director, Hastings Hotels and
Donna Sheerin, Managing Director, Totalis People Ltd.

Heather Boyle said, "I am so surprised and thrilled! I suppose my story is one of hard work, determination, overcoming obstacles along the way and overall a drive to succeed. I love to see people rise to reach their full potential. My team at A Slice of Heaven are incredibly important to me and without them we couldn't have delivered the growth we're achieving.

"I've worked in the food industry here for over 25years. I take Slice of Heaven all over Ireland and UK to trade shows, food fairs and events. I am extremely passionate about Ulster food and local business and I love meeting people.

"My vision for Slice of Heaven is to become the number one supplier of high-end, fresh desserts to the foodservice and retail sectors in UK and Ireland, whilst providing employment and experience to good people and of course injecting a little dollop of fun along the way!

"Thanks to Ulster Tatler for a fabulous night- I am genuinely humbled and absolutely delighted to have received this award."

For more information and a mouth-watering look at Heather's tantalizing desserts visit www.sliceofheavenni.co.uk