THERE has been a lot of glittering revelry since the last time Fiona Sidwell entered her York-based corporate hospitality and events company, Exclusive Events, in the Evening Press Business of the Year.

There has also been a lot of money raised for good causes, including the black tie charity ball which she staged at Allerton Castle, near Knaresborough, in July, in aid of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.

And what about that sell-out Daisy Ball for the same cause that raised nearly £10,000 and was enjoyed by the likes of Vince Earl - Ron Dixon from TV soap Brookside - and Harry Gration, of BBC Look North?

Then there was that unforgettable, first-ever Yorkshire Day Luncheon, with cricketing legend Dickie Bird as guest speaker, also at Allerton Castle.

It's easy to see why Fiona, 37,has entered the Small Business of the Year category - and why others have nominated her as Business Personality of the Year.

After all, this 37-year-old left a successful job as area development manager for Nurdin and Peacock to start up Exclusive Events four years ago.

Now, from her offices off Bootham, she is proving herself to be the life and soul of parties.