BEING made redundant spurred a budding entrepreneur to fulfil her ambition.

Katie Range, from Runcorn, founded her own company KC Marketing Range in 2015 and hasn't looked back.

The 33-year-old won young entrepreneur of the year at the Women In Business Awards 2018 and was a finalist for new business of the year at the Halton Business Awards last year.

Her flourishing business is now going from strength to strength.

And it only came about after she lost her job.

"I was a social media manager for an energy company which closed down so everyone was made redundant," said Katie, 32, from Higher Runcorn.

"I always wanted to see if I could run my own business so I took the plunge."

Katie specialises in social media marketing and web design and helps companies to create their own distinct image.

"We manage all their social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram every day of the week," said Katie.

"We generate brand awareness to help people gain an understanding of what they do."

Katie employs her sister Claire, 34, from Weston, who is a part-time teacher, and hopes to recruit more staff.

"We work with all types of companies as their marketing team," she said. "We design graphics and websites for start ups and small businesses. We keep an eye on what their competitors are doing."

The company has clients across the UK ranging from telecommunications and recruitment to dog grooming and hairdressing.

This year, their expertise has helped companies in Dubai to develop and strengthen their image.

Katie was a finalist in the Enterprise Vision Awards last year and she has entered the 2018 Halton Business Awards where she was highly commended for new business of the year in 2016.

To enable her company to reach new customers, she is launching a pioneering network.

"Anyone who refers a potential client can become a KC representative," said Katie. "If we sign up the customer they will receive commission and a monthly retainer."

Working at home since she had her baby daughter Hallie a year ago, Katie plans to return to her office at the Heath Business Park by the end of the year.