HARD working business owners in Skipton had something special to celebrate this week when the winners of the Skipton Business Awards 2023 were announced during a presentation ceremony.

The awards were last organised by the town’s chamber of trade but have been returned to the calendar by Skipton BID (Business Improvement District) to help boost the profile of the exceptional business talent the town boasts.

At a ceremony at Skipton Town Hall on Monday, 145 attendees enjoyed an evening of celebration with a total of 11 awards presented, plus the presentation of a special recognition award due to the quality of the finalists.

The judging panel said it was overwhelmed by the quality of the entries and it was a tough job to whittle the entries down to the finalists. They said to choose a final winner for each category was exceptionally difficult.

Andrew Mear, chairman of Skipton BID said: “Skipton BID was delighted to be able to bring the Skipton Business Awards back. We are delighted to support this fantastic event and it was great to see so many recognised for their achievements.”

The business awards winners were named as:

Best New Business, sponsored by Le Caveau - Elsworth at the Mill.

Best Independent Business, sponsored by The Shepherd Partnership - The Art Shop

Best Family Business, sponsored by Belle Vue Dental - Howard’s Market Stall.

Best Live Entertainment Venue, sponsored by Teddy Boutique - The Mess Room

Best Food and Drink, sponsored by Bizzie Lizzies - Le Caveau.

Best Tourism Award, sponsored by Elsworth at the Mill - Winner Skipton Town Hall. Special Recognition Award - The Bailey.

Best Health and Wellbeing business - Sarah Rennison Physiotherapy.

Best Hair and Beauty, sponsored by The Backman - Melvin & Co.

Best Retailer, sponsored by AWB Charlesworth Solicitors - Discount Sports Skipton.

Best Professional Services, sponsored by Aspire Magazine -The Mortgage Home.

Unsung Hero, sponsored by Brown Bag Café - Dean Majors.