Posted on Tuesday 28th January 2025

Darren Hughes, Naomi Hughes, Louise Hughes and Damian Bailey, The Wedding Industry Awards Founder and Chairman of the Judging Panel.
A Burton-based wedding venue stylist has been crowned National Winner at the 2025 Wedding Industry Awards, solidifying its reputation as one of the UK’s best in the business.
Lush Occasions, led by founder Louise Hughes, operates from Waterside Court Enterprise Centre in Burton. This is one of eight enterprise centres run by Staffordshire County Council to support small businesses to grow by providing affordable workspaces with flexible contracts.
The win marks a milestone achievement for Louise and her team, who have previously celebrated four consecutive regional wins.
This year, they were recognised as the Best Venue Stylist in the UK during a glittering awards ceremony in London on January 22, where they competed against top stylists from across the nation.
Louise said:
“We are beyond happy, proud and humbled to receive this award. We were up against so many venue stylists in England, Wales and Scotland and it means so much that it was voted for by our couples and judged by the most incredible team of judges.
“Winning the West Midlands final four times has been amazing but our win at the National Final is absolutely incredible.”
Louise's career began in the travel industry, but her passion for creating beautiful wedding settings inspired her to establish Lush Occasions in 2007.
Initially operating from her home in Burton-on-Trent, the part-time venture quickly blossomed into a full-time career, garnering regional and national acclaim.
As demand for her services grew, so did the need for space to house her expanding inventory of elegant and rustic wedding decorations.
Louise relocated the business to Waterside Court Enterprise Centre in Burton - a decision she credits with taking her work to the next level.
Louise said:
“I was fortunate to secure a unit there, marking one of my best business decisions. This new space allowed me to create more luxurious, elegant and rustic designs.
“I would recommend the Enterprise Centres to both new businesses and existing businesses as you receive lots of opportunities and support to help you grow your business.
“The support and friendship from other business owners at Waterside Court has been absolutely wonderful too.”
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:
“We are very proud to have many award-winning businesses, like Lush Occasions, call our enterprise centres their home.
“Congratulations to Louise and her team for a very well-deserved award-win. To get national recognition is a remarkable feat and a testament to their hard work and dedication.
“I'd encourage anyone starting a business to think about doing it in one of our eight enterprise centres. They're great places to start with affordable spaces, onsite support and a chance to connect with other talented local businesses."
Staffordshire County Council’s eight enterprise centres offer a range of offices, workshops, and industrial units for rent, designed to suit businesses of all sizes.
Hot desks and meeting rooms are also available to book at selected centres for added flexibility.
To find out more, visit
Business and Enterprise Centres - Staffordshire County Council.