SUSAN Rudden, joint owner of the Grassington House hotel and restaurant in Grassington, is celebrating after being named businesswoman of the year.

Mrs Rudden, who has run Grassington House with husband, John, since 2008, received the accolade from the Women’s Business Club, a community of career women and entrepreneurs.

Having first been nominated for the award, Mrs Rudden had to show she was the ‘best of the best’ and how she excelled in management and innovation of the business in the last year.

The hotel has offered store cupboard staples ‘Rudden’s Rations’, takeaway menu ‘Grassington House at Home’ and The Pod, a new way to dine safely.

“I am absolutely delighted and never thought it would be me. The awards were over Zoom and so exciting. I salute all the other nominees. This year has been tough for everyone and I feel very humbled and happy," said Mrs Rudden, who was up against 24 other women.

Founder of the Women’s Business Club, Angela De Souza, said: “There is nothing quite like celebrating the accomplishments of our businesswomen.

“This year we saw some incredible entries which made the judge’s decision really tough. Although only one woman could win in each category, we feel that every single woman who entered is a winner – she is still standing, she is still determined to succeed and she still has hope for the future, a winning attitude indeed.”