A MALDON lingerie boutique is celebrating after winning a top award for the second time.

The Bra Consultancy, in Edwards Walk, was crowned the winner of the Special Care Recognition Award at the Stars Underlines Best Shop Awards.

It is the second time the team has received the award, having also received it in 2020.

Launched in 2007, the awards are the only independent recognition of excellence in intimate apparel, swimwear and legwear retailing in the UK.

They are dubbed the "Oscars of the lingerie industry".

Founded by Julie Blanche in 2015, the Bra Consultancy opened its first shop in 2017 and has since moved twice to larger premises.

The boutique has marked its third anniversary in its current location this month.

Julie’s extensive 15-year background working alongside international breast reconstruction surgeons inspired her to create a boutique that bridges the gap in specialist care and lingerie expertise.  

Founder - Julie BlancheFounder - Julie Blanche (Image: Public) On the win, she said: “We are incredibly proud as a small business owner be recognised as leaders in the industry and look forward to providing only the specialist care that only an independent can."

Director Kayleigh Smith added: “To be recognized for our compassion and expertise is beyond our wildest dreams."

The Bra Consultancy offers a wide selection of handpicked, fit-tested lingerie, specializing in fashion, maternity, nursing, sportswear, teen ranges, and swimwear.

The boutique provides an "exclusive and relaxed environment" for personalized bra fitting consultations, ensuring every customer finds their perfect fit.  

Julie and her team say they are committed to excellence through continuous training, with every staff member undergoing rigorous in-house and brand-led education.

This year, they expanded their expertise with a visit to Anita’s German headquarters, a leading post-operative lingerie manufacturer.

The team witnessed first-hand the passion and craftsmanship involved in creating products tailored for post-surgery needs.  

The boutique prides itself on offering resilience and guidance to customers navigating significant life changes, particularly during their breast cancer journey.