THE managing director of a medicine wholesaler in Borehamwood has been named the businesswoman of the year at the East of England Businesseswomen Awards 2011.

Rosemary Bensley, who heads up Pharmarama, in Manor Way, was given the accolade at a ceremony on Thursday night in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Entrants were judged on their company's financial strength, sales and marketing activity, human resource development and a corporate social responsibility.

Rosemary said: “I am thrilled and honoured to receive this esteemed award, particularly considering the high calibre of the other entrants.

“I would like to thank the amazing team of people who support me in my MD role, and look forward to us continuing to take Pharmarama from strength to strength.”

Rosemary, who left school aged 16, was appointed managing director of Pharmarama in 2007. She has overseen the financial growth of the company from £7 million in 2007 to £32m in 2010.

She said the secret to success has been a focus on leadership, strategy and motivating staff.

The company is a licensed wholesaler and importer of licensed and unlicensed medicines.