Stray Ferret Business Awards 2025: meet the finalists for Best Independent Retailer

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 Best Independent Retailer, sponsored by Hornbeam Park.

Jespers of Harrogate

Jespers of Harrogate - an independent department store stocking everything from stationary, office supplies and gifts - was first established in 1901 and has been a Harrogate institution ever since.

Throughout its many years of trading Jespers has come up against challenges but has always managed to adapt and evolve, constantly looking ahead to the next chapter in order to flourish.

This includes embracing digital innovations, expanding its relationships with other local businesses, and diversifying the products it sells - changes which have been embraced by its loyal customers.

Smiths of Harrogate

Smiths of Harrogate has been a cornerstone of the Harrogate retail landscape since 1906, and has evolved from a historic antiques dealer to a premier destination for high-quality furniture, beds, carpet and flooring. 

Now a fifth-generation business, it has embraced modern retail while honouring its rich heritage and core family values. 

2024 was a record-breaking year for the business, after a successful rebrand and a renewed focus on contemporary furniture from UK, German, and Danish manufacturers.

The Crystal Buddha

With an online store and physical presence in Knaresborough for 14 years, The Crystal Buddha has firmly established itself as a local purveyor of unusual and unique items and gifts.

While it's well documented that it's a difficult time to be a retailer on the high street, The Crystal Buddha has maintained a positive relationship with customers and businesses, to support other local independents. 

Owner Annie Wilkinson-Gill is also involved in the local community - she's the co-founder of the Knaresborough Business Collective, which organises events such as the Knaresborough Business Awards, the Scarecrow Festival and much more.

17 Miles

Since opening its doors in 2023, 17 Miles has firmly embedded itself as part of Cold Bath Road's hospitality offering, transforming the previously empty until into a Belgian beer bar. 

Set up with the ambition 'to bring drinks to Harrogate that you would struggle to find elsewhere, without taking business away from existing establishments', much of the decor has been thrifted from charity shops, to promote and encourage sustainable habits.

As the bar established itself, it has expanded to offer food - in collaboration with Manna Bakery - and 'Paint and Pour' sessions, with an aim to host other community-led events in the future.

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.