THE owner of an Ardrossan laundrette says "everything is paying off" after the business won a top award.

It comes after Dora Kane, owner of Sylvia's Soapy Suds, and her team of Elaine and Laura scooped the 'Laundry Business of the Year' accolade at the 2022 Scottish Business Awards at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow.

They were at the national awards ceremony representing Ayrshire after their success in the regional competition two months ago.

Dora is well aware none of this would have been possible at all if it were not for her mother Sylvia.

She started the business nearly 11 years ago after her mother was taken into residential care.

Dora explained her mother's situation to the Herald previously, saying: "My mum had to find something to do so she decided it was time to do something for herself."

And despite Sylvia now handing the reigns over to Dora, she still can't help but offer assistance whenever she can.

It was this love for the business which made Dora phone her mother as soon as she could after it was announced they had won the national award.

She said: "My mum was so emotional when we told her. As soon as we won we were phoning everyone.

"It's been ten years now [since Sylvia started the business] and everything is paying off."

It was an emotional evening for all involved - with Dora admitting they never expected to triumph.

"I was like 'we are never ever going to win'," she said.

"When they called us I was like 'did we win that?'.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: From left: Dora's husband James, Dora, Laura and her partner Graeme celebrate the award win.From left: Dora's husband James, Dora, Laura and her partner Graeme celebrate the award win. (Image: Sylvia's Soapy Suds)

"Especially against the likes of Glasgow and Edinburgh - it's such a big area compared to Ayrshire.

"Considering the fact that we are just a small family run business, winning not only Ayrshire but Scotland, it's just surreal."

And while the award success can be placed down to how the team run the business "like a family" this wouldn't be possible without their loyal customer base.

Dora added: "All our customers are delighted as well which is good because it's the general public that keep us going, we don't have big contracts.

"If it wasn't for them we wouldn't still be here."

So where does Sylvia's go from here?

The message was clear: "Hopefully we can retain our title next year!"