[Photo is of the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, in Richmond]
The much-anticipated shortlist for the Richmond Business Awards has been announced.
The Awards are organised by the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association (ORBTA) in collaboration with The Company of Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers of Richmond (Yorkshire) and North Yorkshire Council.
Marcia McLuckie BEM, Chair of the Judging Panel, expressed her pleasure at both the quantity and quality of entries: “We have increased the number of awards this year and in their submissions the businesses of Richmond have very ably demonstrated their levels of customer care, innovation, commitment to accessibility and success in attracting tourists to the area.
She continued, “Coming to our conclusions has been extremely difficult and the judges have felt privileged to read so many deserving entries.”
The Awards will be presented by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith. The Mayor said: “Richmond is home to many of our region's most forward-thinking businesses, that are at the heart of developing new ideas and driving growth.
“The Richmond Business Awards are a great way to celebrate that spirit, and I am looking forward to showcasing the talented people behind Richmond’s success by presenting the awards in April.”
The Awards will be announced at The Station on 17 April. Meanwhile, here is that shortlist:
Best Customer Focus - sponsored by Yorsafety
- Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance
- Just Wheels Ltd
- Market Place Travel
Best Employer – sponsored by Richmond Yorkshire CIC
- Cooper & Leatherbarrow
- Market Place Travel
- The Station Café | Bar and The Sweet Stop (RBPT Enterprises)
Best New Business – sponsored by Zetland Estates
- Browns of Richmond
- Rejuvenate Lifestyle and Wellbeing
- The Easby-Loop Café
Best Innovation – sponsored by The Herriot Country Tourism Group
- Low Impact Forestry Limited
- St Michael’s Lodge
- The Green Howards Museum
Best Marketing - sponsored by Richmond Information Centre
- J & H Meynells Pet Shop and Garden Centre
- The Station Cinema
- Trouvère
Business to Business Award - sponsored by Market Place Travel
- Eyecatching Signs
- Richmond Print
- Yvonne Finn Graphic Design
Outstanding Employee – sponsored by Richmond Rotary Club
- Sally Anderson – The Station Café | Bar
- Mary Horncastle – The Station Café | Bar
- Debbie Redfern – Roots and Shoots Florist
Best Sole Trader - sponsored by Purple Creative Studio
- AS Joinery
- MaidInTheDales Domestic Cleaning Services
- Miss Merritt English Online
- The Easby-Loop Café
Environmental Award – sponsored by The Company of Fellmongers
- Goosewing Studios
- Nourished
- St Michael’s Lodge
Tourism Award: Visitor Attractions, Leisure Venues, Festivals and Events - sponsored by Visit North Yorkshire
- Kiplin Hall and Gardens
- Medieval Music in the Dales
- The Station
- The Georgian Theatre Royal
Tourism Award: Hospitality and Retail - sponsored by Visit North Yorkshire
- Kiplin Hall and Gardens
- The Station Café | Bar and The Sweet Stop (RBPT Enterprises)
- St Michael’s Lodge
- The Fleece Hotel
Accessibility Award – sponsored by Home Instead
- St Michael’s Lodge
- The Station Cinema
- The Station
Window on the World Award – sponsored by The Company of Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers of Richmond (Yorkshire)
- BbinFinkle Interiors
- Dot’s Place
- The Little Dress Shop
Best Dog-Friendly Establishment Award – sponsored by Yorsafety
- Granny’s Kitchen
- Mocha
- St Michael’s Lodge
- The Fleece Hotel
The Dennis Graves Award for Young Person of the Year – sponsored by Mocha
- Ruben Anderson - The Station Café | Bar
- Freya Ball - Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance
- Nicholas Perks - The Easby-Loop Café