THE founder of a Birchwood-based costume business has been shortlisted for a regional award.

Julie Morrisroe, who launched Cosmic Workshop in 2012, was surprised to make the final eight-person list for the Enterprise Vision Awards in the creative industry category.

The EVA's are the largest business awards outside London and are dedicated to female entrepreneurship across the north west.

And although stumbling across the awards by accident last year, Julie says she is very excited to see how far she can go.

“Customers pushed me to apply for the awards and I just thought to myself why not apply and we’ll see what happens,” she said.

“I didn’t think anything would come of it but it’s great to be recognised in this way.

“We’re an unusual business compared to the others on the shortlist and I’ll be up against more business-minded people than me, but I’m really excited to have been chosen.”

Cosmic Workshop supply the film and television industry with custom made leather work and costumes as well as supporting its big community of cosplay and Comicon customers.

Julie insists she has ‘absolutely’ thought about winning the award, which will be announced at a ceremony at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in September, which will provide good exposure for the business.

“I’m taking it all in good fun and even if I don’t win, Cosmic Workshop will receive some recognition and attention,” she added.

“If we do win however, we will be able to refer to ourselves as an award-winning business, which would just be fantastic.

“Part of the competition is a public vote, so it would be great if our customers who have supported us could get online and vote for me.”

Voting will open on Monday, August 19 on the Enterprise Vision Awards website.