Last weekend, I very proudly watched my client, Rena Nathanson of Bananagrams, collect the prestigious “Inspirational Business Mum of the Year” award at the annual Mumpreneur UK Conference & Awards 2012. The afternoon saw a number of awards handed out to very deserving winners in various categories such as Best Start-up and Best Online Business, and Rena’s was in recognition of her hard work in creating something which has turned into a true global success story in just six years.

It’s been quite a fortnight for Bananagrams actually – all five games in the range have scooped eight awards voted for by three very different audiences: families, teachers and independent toy shops.

Confirming the range’s popularity with primary school children and teachers, each game picked up a Primary Teacher Update 2012 Award. The range is also held in high regard by Independent Toy Shops in the UK, who voted Bananagrams their favourite educational game in the Toy Shop UK Awards 2012. Finally, just last week, parents and children voted Zip-It the best puzzle in the esteemed Rainbow Toy Awards.

Commenting on the hat trick of accolades, Rena said, “I am delighted that the Bananagrams range continues to prove popular with such a wide range of audiences. Our mission has always been to create games which appeal to children, families, parents, educators and retailers alike – our ethics and focus on fun with an educational twist epitomise the idea of learning through play. The games give brains of all ages a fantastic work-out and I’m so grateful to everyone who has recognised this by voting – whether they be a teacher, a parent, an independent toy retailer or a captivated child.”

The full list of awards won in September 2012:

Rainbow Toy Awards 2012:

Zip-It – Winner – Best Puzzle

Bananagrams – Highly Commended – Best Puzzle

Primary Teacher Update Awards 2012:

Bananagrams – Gold – Toys & Games

Zip-It – Gold – Toys & Games

PAIRSinPEARS – Silver – Toys & Games

Fruitominoes – Silver – Toys & Games

Appletters – Bronze – Toys & Games

Toy Shop UK Independent Toy Awards 2012:

Bananagrams – Gold – Educational Game

All games in the Bananagrams range are available to buy on High Street at independent toy and book stores as well as John Lewis, WH Smith, Waterstones and a range of supermarkets including Tesco and Waitrose. Visit www.bananagrams.com for more information.