THE managing director of a York-chocolate business has been selected as Yorkshire and the Humber’s first "BT Business Champion".

Sophie Jewett, who created York Cocoa House, in Blake Street, was selected by the communications giant because of her passion, for both chocolate and business, which has seen her rapidly build a sustainable company in the ‘home of chocolate’, as well as her ambitious future plans and clever use of technology.

She will join the growing list of Champions from across the UK as part of BT's business programme, which has been designed to celebrate successful small and medium-sized businesses across the country and to encourage them to share advice with others.

Ms Jewett said: "It’s easy enough to set up a business if you spot a niche in the market and have the passion to get it off the ground.

"But there are lots of things the books don’t tell you, that’s why I’m excited to sign up to the BT Business Champions programme and to share all the things I learnt along the way."

Danny Longbottom, BT Business managing director for small and medium enterprises, said: "Sophie has a fantastic story and an infectious enthusiasm for business, which has sprung from a love of chocolate. By sharing her story and talking through the challenges she faced, we hope that she will inspire others.

"As a company, BT is working with lots of businesses like Sophie’s, helping them understand and take full advantage of the possibilities brought by the latest digital technologies – and that’s a central goal of our Champions programme."