Stray Ferret Business Awards 2025: meet the finalists for the Inclusivity Award

The countdown is now on for the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2025, sponsored by Prosperis, and we're taking the opportunity to celebrate the fantastic finalists, shortlisted across each of the 10 categories.

Tickets are now available to buy for the glittering black tie event, which will take place at The Pavilions in Harrogate on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Let's meet and find out more about the finalists for the Inclusivity Award, sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors.

Artizan

Artizan is a social enterprise with a charitable objective to empower and enable people living with disabilities to live a more fulfilled life, and to transform the attitudes of the local community.

Its training programme allow members to work within their community and learn workplace and life, all leading to a more independent life full of activities, friends and laughter. As the submission explains: 'it's not just a work policy, it's an entire reason for being'.

Since launching in 2021, it now trains over 40 people every week and employs 12 people, blending donations, business support and cafe sales in order to keep offering services to the local community.

Cloud Nine

Established in 2009, CLOUD NINE invents and sells heated styling tools with luxury accessories, such as straighters, dryers, and heated brushes.

It prides itself on taking 'a proactive approach to inclusivity, making significant improvements to further foster an inclusive culture, giving our colleagues an environment where they can be their best'. 

This extends to spreading awareness about the menopause, both in the workplace and through educational events for the public, increasing maternity pay, offering flexible working and gaining Real Living Wage Accreditation.

Craft & Social

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, Craft & Social is a North Yorkshire Council approved provider of day services and community support for adults with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

Inclusivity is part of the fundamental ethos of the organisation, which is also extended to all those who volunteer to help teach the students who use the services. One example of this would be a member of staff who recently became unable to continue in their role supporting a gentleman out within the community due to health reasons. 

However, after discussing potential changes, Craft & Social were able to find an alternative activity that allowed the staff member to remain in their role and, and importantly, feel that their contribution was valued.

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre

Henshaws strives to empower individuals with disabilities and sight loss through creative workshops, creating a space where everyone belongs and is celebrated for who they are.

In addition to offering positions within the organisation, it equips individuals with valuable vocational skills and actively support them in finding inclusive employment opportunities elsewhere should they seek it. 

A good example of someone who has benefitted from what Henshaws can offer is Oliver -living with anxiety, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and speech and language challenges, Oliver now thrives as an Art Maker and cafe team member.

Resurrected Bites

Resurrected Bites is a Harrogate and Knaresborough based community organisation aiming to reduce food waste, loneliness and food poverty.

As an organisation it has always tried to offer opportunities to people to help them into the workplace, achieving this in a number of different ways. 

This includes actively encouraging those with an early dementia diagnosis, learning differences, mental and physical health issues and those who have experienced food poverty first hand to volunteer with the organisation - reflecting its underlying mission to be a beacon of support in the local community.

Don't miss out

Tickets are now available for the awards evening, which takes place on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Book yours here and join the Stray Ferret and other local businesses for a night filled with recognition, networking, and fun.