The CEO of a Walthamstow business won an international business award at a New York awards ceremony this month, beating entrants from all over the globe.

Geraldine Grandidier, founder of children’s bookcase company Tidy Books, was named Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Europe, the Middle East & Africa category at the 10th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

Her business, based in Hiltongrove Business Centre in Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, makes children’s bookcases which she says encourage children to read by positioning books cover-out rather than spine-out.

“It’s a huge honour to have won this international award and it’s humbling and inspiring to be in such great company – there are some fantastic women entrepreneurs from around the world,” the 44-year-old told the Guardian.

Ms Grandidier, who lives in Walthamstow, founded the company in 2004 with £500 after a stint in violin manufacturing.

The business now employs five staff and sells around 30,000 units per year.

She said the award came at a great time as the business is looking to grow.

“We’re looking for shareholders via crowdfunding on Crowdcube and winning the Stevie Award gives us a real boost and seal of approval from our peers,” she added.

Ms Grandidier’s colleague Ruth Duncan said: “Geraldine has struck a chord with parents who want their children to curl up with a book, just like they did as children.”

This year’s awards received more than 1,200 entries from 18 countries and winners were selected by more than 240 business executives.

Michael Gallagher, founder of the Stevie Awards, said this year's field was the most impressive class the judges had ever reviewed.