SEVERAL Craven businesses are celebrating after reaching the shortlist of this year’s Skipton Business Awards.

Organisers say they are delighted to have attracted so many entries in the second year of the awards which aims to showcase businesses in Skipton and the BD23 postcode area.

After much deliberation, the judges selected a shortlist of finalists for each of the entered categories, which include best customer service, and best market stall.

Matt Cornish, head judge, said: “It was good to see so many new entrants this year. The quality of entries, and particularly the strength of the supplementary information from those shortlisted, really highlighted how these brilliant businesses contribute to the community.”

And, Wendy Lawson, awards coordinator added: “We are looking forward to showcasing the awards’ shortlisted finalists and winners. I know it was a difficult task for the judges to make selections from such an eclectic mix of businesses, which is why we have a panel with different views to offer. We’d like to thank every business which took time to submit an entry - they make the awards what it is.”

The finalists were assessed by the judging panel consisting of independent business experts, Alison Davies, head of digital, Skipton Building Society; Helen Clarke, area business manager for Leeds and area, Barclays Bank plc; Wendy Bateson, estate administrator, Broughton Hall Estate; Geraldine Thompson, BID manager & director, Skipton BID; and Matt Cornish, account manager, AKA PR.

Winners of each category, including overall Skipton Business of the Year, will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony to take place at The Rendezvous Hotel on Thursday, March 22 from 6.30pm.

The awards are supported by headline sponsor Skipton Building Society, 12 category sponsors, winners’ champagne sponsor Pentelow Practice and table centre sponsor AWB Charlesworth Solicitors. Skipton BID will also be announcing the winner of The Best Bar None Award.

Tickets for the award ceremony evening, being held at The Rendezvous Hotel, are almost sold out; they are available to reserve by emailing Coordinator, Wendy Lawson at sba@skiptonbusinessawards.co.uk.

The full shortlist of the Skipton Business Awards 2018: Best accommodation, sponsored by The Rendezvous Hotel. The Black Horse Hotel, Grassington; Dalesgate Lodge Bed and Breakfast;Grassington House. Best Apprentice/Trainee, sponsored by Spear Travels Ltd: Holly Broadbent, Kingsway Veterinary Group; Luke Baldwin, Hartleys; Ruby Prince, Coffee Care. Best Business to Business (B2B) Supplier/Wholesaler Award, (Bluefin Insurance Services): Class One Fresh Produce; Coffee Care; Crossgates Bioenergetics Ltd. Best Customer Service Award

(Bizzie Lizzie’s): The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa; Kingsway Veterinary Group; Mewies Solicitors. Best Fitness Health & Beauty Business Award ( Aspire Magazine): Crossgates Bioenergetics Ltd; Sitting Pretty;Skipton Slimming World. Best Food and Drink (Barclays Bank PLC): Bizzie Lizzie’s; Coffee Care; Grassington House

Best Leisure & Tourism Award

Sponsored by The Mill Shop, Skipton

Finalists:

Craven Country Ride

QUADTREX

Thornton Hall Country Park

Best Manufacturing/Engineering Business Award

Sponsored by Windle & Bowker

Finalists:

JB Springs

Hartleys

Principle Healthcare continued….

Best Market Stall Award

Sponsored by Skipton Market

Finalists:

Feather’s Funky Eggs

Howard’s

Traditional Yorkshire Biscuits

Best New Business Award (New category)

Sponsored by Windle & Bowker

Finalists:

Alexander’s

Essential Self

Kibble Bakery

Best Professional/Financial Services Business Award

Sponsored by The Shepherd Partnership Limited

Finalists:

Mewies Solicitors

The Pentelow Practice

Walker Foster

Best Retailer

Sponsored by Tyro Training

Finalists:

Fleur Lingerie

The Present Planners Toy Shop

Spear Travels

Overall Best Skipton Business Award Winner

Sponsored by Headline Sponsor Skipton Building Society

Winner: Will be revealed at the Awards