A graduate from Cricklewood has won £8,000 in the University of Hertfordshire’s annual business start-up competition ‘Flare’.

Tatjana Apukhtina, of Mora Road, 24, and her business partner Matthew Blakemore, beat off competition from over 100 entrants to win the coveted title of ‘Best Idea’ for their social shopping app Looks Good On Me.

The phone app transforms friends into an intimate circle of fashion advisers, who can be called upon at any time to offer feedback on outfit choices.

Ms Apukhtina said: “I can’t put in to words how happy I am about winning flare!

“We believe that this is a turning point for our business as we’re about to launch the app and this award will help us attract additional investment, allowing our business to grow.”

Since its launch in 2005, more than 1,000 students and graduates have entered the competition. In that time over £120,000 has been awarded to 25 finalists.

For more information about the app visit www.looksgoodonme.com