The founder of what is now a multi-million-pound online garden furniture business has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Essex Business Excellence Awards 2015.
White Stores, which 30-year-old James Whiteley established 10 years ago, has also been voted Runner Up for the Best Growing Business Award (medium sized company category).

Starting in the garden furniture industry aged 16, stuffing cushions at his father's factory, Mr Whiteley launched his own company in 2005. From a business initially operating out of his bedroom, White Stores now generates an annual turnover of over £7m.

White Stores is now one of the UK's largest independent online retailers of garden furniture and accessories. Products range from rattan sofa sets, sun loungers and gazebos to alfresco dining sets, American-style barbecue smokers and artificial Christmas trees, and promise huge savings to shoppers.

The business also has garden furniture showrooms in Wickford, Essex and Yarnton, Oxfordshire.

Said Mr Whiteley: "I truly believe that starting up and growing a successful business can change people's lives for the better.

"To have my enthusiasm for business life officially recognised by the judges of the Essex Business Excellence Awards has been a fantastic boost to me, both personally and professionally.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage other young UK entrepreneurs to go out there and make their own dreams happen."