Karen's business, Atelier East, based in Elm, near Wisbech, is arts promotion, helping artists by organising exhibitions at venues such as The Angles Theatre, in Wisbech, and arts fairs at Thorpe Hall, Peterborough, and holding life drawing sessions.

A graduate in photography in 2002, Karen has exhibited her own work and lectured in photography.

Her exhibition experience led her to set up Atelier East about two years ago.

She is planning a new after-school session for primary age children – Young Artists, which will be led by professional artists.

Why not follow Karen's lead and enter the business awards? But the deadline for entries is drawing near – it is September 12.

It's not too late for businesses and members of the public to nominate firms you think should contend in the event's various award categories.

Nominate now: by e-mailing businessawards@peterboroughtoday.co.uk, by phone 01733 588842 or downloading a nomination form here: peterboroughtoday.co.uk /businessawards.
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All nominated companies will then be posted an easy-to-complete entry form to the Business Awards. But companies can also choose to enter themselves by contacting the Evening Telegraph for an entry form.

There will be the staging of a finalists breakfast that will feature all the companies shortlisted in the various award categories. And this year veteran TV and radio presenter Jeremy Vine will host the final in a glittering awards ceremony in November.

Award judges and sponsors are now urging business owners and managers across the region to make sure they enter their firms in the competition, which will celebrate the strength and variety of Peterborough's business community.

This year's competition will welcome back many of last year's sponsors: Davis Langdon, Barclays, Rawlinsons, Buckles Solicitors, Norwich and Peterborough, Peterborough City Council, Royal Mail and North Westgate.

In addition, last year's excellent team of judges have agreed to return and they are Bill Agnew, Chris Collier, Anne Corder, Colleen Gostick, Nigel Hards, Bill Samuels and Jenny Weston. After the closing date for entries judges will draw up a shortlist of finalists.

Each finalist will be visited by the judges, who will then decide on the winners to be announced at the awards ceremony on November 14 at the Holiday Inn, Peterborough.