The managing director of a publishing and events company says she is "thrilled" after being shortlisted at the IOD Director of the Year Awards.

Amalia Brightley-Gillott is managing director of the Family Business Place, based in Ditton.

And next month she will be hoping to win the director of the year award in the family business category of the Institute of Directors awards for London and the south after making the seven-strong shortlist.

Family Business Place organises help and support for family firms - big or small - "creating opportunities for their businesses to grow".

The firm's MD said: "I am thrilled to have been nominated for an IOD Director of the Year Award, and this is important recognition for family businesses that make up a significant proportion of Kent's business and local communities.

"Having recently taken over the reins of the business from my mother, I have grown up – alongside many others - watching my parents build a business and exploring their entrepreneurialism, where success often involves huge personal risks, sacrifices and time away from loved ones.

“However, my nomination also speaks to the young female leaders in family businesses, who can so often be overlooked in favour of their fathers and brothers. As a passionate family business champion I am also committed to highlighting the amazing work of our young female entrepreneurs, who are driving family businesses into a new generation of innovation and growth.”

The awards take place in London on June 4.