A home-based cake business is enjoying the sweet taste of success after being named the top cake designers in the South West.

Sweet Satisfaction was named wedding cake designer of the year at the South West Wedding Awards, which recognises outstanding service of businesses across the South West.

The business is run by Nicole Sexton, from Sidmouth, and Rachel Bowring, from Offwell, who create wedding and celebration cakes.

Nicole, who is originally from South Africa, said: “I think it is safe to say we are both still totally surprised, thrilled and delighted! We are grateful to our customers for voting for us, we are so proud of what we have achieved.”

The winners are chosen by customers who mark the businesses on service, product quality, value for money and commitment to wedding and then put before a panel of experts for judging.

Nicole added: “Winning this award demonstrates to our customers, as well as to other businesses, our achievements and is also a great endorsement for our existing customers who will be able to mention our award when recommending us. It will certainly help attract more customers as we now have evidence of our reliable and friendly service which will encourage potential customers to choose us over others. Winning this award will hopefully help us grow our business.”

Both women have worked as pastry chefs and said turning their hands to running a cake business came naturally, but their biggest challenge came soon after starting up the business in 2009.

Rachel, who has worked at prestigious establishments including the Savoy Grill and Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner, said: “Our biggest challenges have been running a successful business whilst both raising young children. In fact, we both fell pregnant the year after the business was established which wasn’t well planned. This year the children started full time school, so it’s all systems go towards an amazing 2018.

“The dreams for our business is to continue to be a successful business so that one day we can have our own premises, still having that ‘personal touch’ which is what our customers love about us.”