Hindmarch, who cites Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher as her inspiration, saw off competition from City heavyweight Helena Morrissey, chief executive of Newton Investment Management.
The 43-year-old designer said in an interview that Thatcher's Britain gave her the incentive to set up her own company.
'There was quite a feeding frenzy of start-ups,' she told The Guardian. 'And it's very catching. That's what's exciting now. If you get one, you get three; if you get three, you get nine.'
'It's rather lovely, hopefully women will sit up and realise it's really exciting starting a business,' Anya enthused.
Anya Hindmarch bags can fetch up to £2,895 and also offers specials service where fans can choose their own leathers onto which their initials can be embossed.
Hindmarch celebrity clients include Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Angelina Jolie and Kate Middleton.
Hindmarch became the award’s 40th winner this week when she was presented with the honor by home secretary Theresa May at Claridge’s hotel in London.
Previous winners of the award include Dame Anita Roddick of The Body Shop.
Hindmarch exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. During her gap year in Italy she spotted a bag she liked, found a factory and started producing the design.
The Duchess of Cambridge toted Anya Hindmarch's Maud clutch when she met Michelle Obama last year
This year, alongside Net-a-Porter founder, Natalie Massenet, Hindmarch is also pledging her support for embryo entrepreneurs by partnering the School for Creative Start-ups founded by Dragon's Den investor Doug Richard.
Dubbed an 'MBA for creatives' the school will run workshops and year-long courses across fashion, design, performing arts and digital industries.
Bruton butter leather in white, £895
Pimlico in tan, £795
Huxley tole in python skin £2895
