And three of them have been named ‘champions’ for their work promoting the district and encouraging economic prosperity.
Guy Baragwanath of Thirsk and District Business Association, the ‘Thirsty Thursday’ group from Stokesley and Peter Rush of Thirsk TIC could not be separated by the judging panel – each devoting a huge amount of time and effort to the district.
“The Hambleton Business Awards are now in their third year and the judging gets tougher and tougher,” said Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Wilkinson.
“Hambleton is a great place to live, work and grow your business and the standard of entries showed just that – competition was very strong.
“The council supports businesses no matter how big or small, established or just starting out – and these winners demonstrate that Hambleton is a place to develop and raise a business.”
Awards went to:
- Learning and Development: engineers and manufacturers of curtainside tensioners Langver of Thirsk for the business’s commitment to developing staff and for the exceptionally skilled team
- Engaging Young Minds: Liz Pocklington of Riverford Home Delivery of Easingwold – which delivers organic food boxes – for her dedication to Crayke School where she has helped educate children and parents on healthy eating, as well as help to raise funds for the school
- Apprentice Champion: Lucy Collins, Tollerton Surgery for what she brings to the practice where she is now a key members of the team
- Graduate Champion: Lauren Bennett of Analox of Stokesley – a world leader in the design and manufacture of gas sensors and analysers – for the impact she has had in transforming the company brand
- Local is Best: joint first place went to coffee shop Stamps of Great Ayton, ice cream parlour Sorella of Stokesley and the Fruity Kitchen of Sutton on the Forest – which makes chutneys, relishes and jams – for their customer service, great local produce and their passionate approach to running a business
- Hambleton Champion: Guy Baragwanath, Thirsk and District Business Association; Thirsty Thursday, Stokesley; Peter Rush, Thirsk Tourist Information Centre
- Innovation: manufacturer of tailor made robotic solutions, Labman of Seamer for their dynamic, innovative approach to solving client needs around the world, championing of apprenticeships and enthusiasm for their unique approach to business solutions
- Best Dressed Window: Alina Florist, Thirsk for her creative window designs, transforming the business offer in Kirkgate for local shopper and visitors
- Community Contribution: community shop and post office, Barkers of Huby for the great partnership between the villages of Stillington and Huby and the 420 residents who have secured the shop and post office for the area.
Highly commended awards went to: North Yorkshire Physiotherapy for work in the local community; Caroline Todd of Hot Toddi for her passion for the area; Skeldale Vets of Thirsk for their promotion of Hambleton through the TV series; and Amelia Herbert of Great Ayton for her work on the Tour de Yorkshire in Great Ayton.
The awards were sponsored by Dales of Thirsk, Proper Tasty of Northallerton, STAR Radio, and the Federation of Small Businesses – and the ceremony compered by Tim Litchfield of Star Radio.