THE Craven Herald newspaper is this week launching its first ever Craven Business Awards event which aims to give all new and established firms of all sizes across the district, a platform to shine as we continue to experience tough trading times.

Nominees can enter any business in as many of the 10 categories as they like: Independent Retailer of the Year; SME of the Year; Family Business of the Year; Hotel and Leisure (hospitality) venue of the Year; Apprentice of the Year; Bar/Restaurant of the year; New Business of the Year; Tourist Business of the Year; Business person of the Year; and Best Professional Service of the Year.

Three successful nominees will be shortlisted for each category with the winners going forward to be chosen on the awards night to receive the Winner of Winners crown.

The glitzy event is being organised alongside LOCALIQ which is the digital marketing arm of Craven Herald owner Newsquest Media Group Ltd, along with the support of Craven District Council. It will be held at Hotel Rendezvous, in Keighley Road, Skipton, in February 2023, where fellow entrepreneurs and the district’s corporate elite will gather and present great networking opportunities.

Jon Stokoe, Yorkshire weeklies editor, which includes the Craven Herald, said: “With so many innovative businesses in Craven and district the awards are the perfect way to celebrate all the successes in town and country.

“It would be fair to say the past few years have been tough for everyone, particularly for small local businesses, but many have battled through and are going from strength to strength.

“I’m delighted that we are going to be able to shine the spotlight on some of these success stories and hope our readers in print and online put forward their nominations.

“No matter how big or small the business, or for whatever reason they are put forward, we’d like as many nominations as possible, even if it makes it harder for the judges to pick out the winners.

“We’ve so much to be proud of on our patch so I’m looking forward to the awards night where we can give a little recognition to those businesses who continue to put our region on the map.”

Steve Lowe, LOCALIQ sales director said: “We want to celebrate the very best of local business in the Craven district and help local businesses get recognition for the hard work they put in to running their business. Getting shortlisted is a great way to highlight your business to your customer and potential customers and to thank staff for the contribution they make."

The event's guests host is ITV broadcast journalist Kate Walby who added: "Craven is a gem packed full of independent traders and this event is a chance to celebrate and showcase what's on offer. All businesses - large and small - are now waiting to see what impact the rising cost of living will have. There has never been a better time to cast a spotlight on the area's hardworking business community and encourage people to shop local."

For details of how to make a nomination go to our main advert on page 14 which provides a QR code which can be scanned. You can also find the form at: https://bit.ly/3RQ6hw3

The last date for entries is November 6. After that 30 shortlisted businesses and individuals will be chosen and will appear in a special supplement to be included in the Herald. Tickets go on sale at the end of December.

Any organisation wishing to sponsor a category should email lynda.hargill@localiq.co.uk