Isle of Wight-based Sally Lynskey is on the crest of a wave this week after being named as the first Wessex business Woman of the Year at a gala lunch in Southampton attended by the Countess of Wessex.

The Countess joined the cream of the region's business women at Ordnance Survey in Southampton last week for the inaugural awards which also raised money for the Winged Fellowship Trust.

Sally is the driving force behind the business development of Cowes-based GRP Laminates and said she was delighted to have been honoured in this way.

Married with two children, Sally said it was a great privilege for GRP, which was set up two years ago and now employs 23 people on the island.

"It's good for the island as there have been so many jobs lost over the last few years that it's good to be able to put as much as possible back into the economy,'' she said.

The company specialises in manufacturing fibreglass and composite mouldings, marine craft and related products up to 20m, and can also undertake alterations and repairs on existing boats, yachts and areas such as hulls, decks and wheelhouses.

GRP Laminates also provides a comprehensive design facility and current clients range from Sunseeker to the RNLI.