Record trophies haul for firms at Skipton Business Awards celebrations

Now in their third year, the awards received record entries, making the task for the judging panel of independent business experts the most difficult ever, organisers said. Ivan Le Roux, President of Skipton Chamber of Trade and Commerce launched the event, saying: “The success of these awards is evident by the number of people here tonight, the increase in entries for the categories and continued sponsorship support from the business community.”

He gave special thanks to Headline Sponsor Skipton BID and the category sponsors, also to Malcolm and Karen Weaving, Amanda Casey and their team at The Rendezvous Hotel.

Chamber and Awards Co-ordinator, Wendy Griffin introduced the Special Chamber Award.

She said: “The Executive choose to recognise a company, organisation, people or person with strong links to the Chamber, with the ethos of going above and beyond everyday expectations.

“This year the executive chose to present the award to the Skipton Town Ambassadors team.”

This proved to be a popular decision, greeted with rapturous cheers and applause as Judy Probst, Tourism and Community Liaison Officer and Supervisor of the Skipton Town Ambassadors moved to the stage to collect the award, along with Alistair Clayton-Stead, one of the longest serving voluntary ambassadors.

From the winners of each category, the judging panel gave the ‘Overall Winner Award’ to J B Springs - saying: “Here we have a shining example of the best of what manufacturing in this area can provide.

“This is a brilliant ‘good news’ story for the town and its economy which was a real highlight of the judging process.

“This business is a real breath of fresh air in the manufacturing sector and deserves all the plaudits it receives.”

Results:

Best Accommodation Award

Sponsored by Jelf Insurance

Winner: Black Horse Hotel, Grassington

Finalists: Bailey Bed and Breakfast (Highly Commended), Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa.

Best Apprentice/Trainee

Sponsored by High Corn Mill

Winner: Chloe Green, Craven District Council

Finalists: Carly Sharp, Coffee Care

Izzy Booth, Benjamin Opticians,

Best Bar None

A separate award organised and sponsored by Skipton BID

Winner: Venue Sports and Music Bar

Finalist: The Albion Inn

Best B2B Supplier/Wholesaler

Sponsored by Windle and Bowker

Winner: Fortem People Ltd.

Finalists: Coffee Care, Dalesman Publishing

Best Customer Service

Sponsored by Bizzie Lizzie’s

Winner: Thornton Hall Country Park

Finalists: Grassington House’ Verus Solutions

Best Fitness Health and Beauty

Sponsored by Aspire Magazine

Winner: Benjamin Opticians

Finalists: Crossgates Health, Hair and Beauty, Jetts Fitness

Best Food and Drink

Sponsored by The Rendezvous Hotel

Winner: Grassington House

Finalists: Bizzie Lizzie’s

Black Horse Hotel, Grassington

Best Leisure and Tourism Award

Sponsored by Spear Travels

Winner: Hesketh Farm Park

Finalists: Skipton Boat Trips,

Thornton Hall Country Park

Best Manufacturer and Engineering

Sponsored by Shepherd Partnership

Winner: J B Springs (John Binns and Son (Springs) Ltd)

Finalists: Chelker Technology Ltd, Hartley’s Bedrooms

Best Market Stall

Sponsored by Skipton Market

Winner: Pro Canvas Studio

Finalists: Borders Wholesale’ Handmade Pet Bed and Soft Furnishing

Best New Business

Sponsored by AWB Charlesworth Solicitors

Winner: Elsworth Kitchen

Finalists: Clubhouse Coffee and Cycles DeBec Private Hire

Best Professional/Financial Services

Sponsored by Skipton Building Society

Winner: Fortem People Ltd

Finalists: 

AKA PR

Centre For Crisis Psychology (CCP)

Best Retailer
Sponsored by Barclays Bank PLC

Winner:The Present Planners Toy Shop

Finalists: 

Just… By The Bridge x

Midgley Motor Cars Grassington Garage

Special Chamber Award

Sponsored by Skipton Chamber of Trade & Commerce

Winner: Skipton Town Ambassadors

Best Visitors' Choice (Skipton Town Guide 2018) Award

Sponsored by The Rendezvous Hotel

Winner:The Growling Shrew
Finalists:
Bae Chique Ltd
Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa

Overall Winner

Best Business of the Year

Sponsored by Skipton BID
Winner: J B Springs