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The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors within the Harrogate district including Ripon, Masham, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough. The Stray Ferret Business Awards will recognise and celebrate your business achievements culminating in an awards dinner on 9 March 2023. Businesses are encouraged to enter more than one category and will be judged by a judging panel including Marcus Boardall CEO of Reed Boardall, Charlene Lyons CEO of Black Sheep, Martin Rae CEO of Cloud Nine and James Farrar COO of York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Entries closed on Monday 16 January with the announcement of the finalists on Friday 20 January. Please see below to see the winners
Congratulations to our winners
The Award Categories
Nominations are now closed. See our winners below
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Dynamic leader
These people are key for any successful business. They drive progress, activity and change in their organisation.
Winner
Ian Baker, The Soundproofing Store
Highly Commended
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Business growth
A business that has seen significant growth in the last three years either financially, by employee numbers or market share increase.
Winner
The Soundproofing Store
Highly Commended
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Sustainable business
This award recognises those businesses that have put sustainability at the top of their agenda. These businesses are helping drive change and leading the way by reducing their impact on the environment.
Large business winner
Small business winner
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Best employee development
A business with a well-documented structure and in-house implemented programme to develop employees, giving them the best start for a great career.
Winner
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Rising star under 30
This award highlights the up and coming talent at a business. These people are sure to make waves and build a successful career in the years to come.
Winner
Highly Commended
James Owen Thomas, JOT's Gallery
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Unsung hero
This person is the glue of the team. They are not only integral to the day to day, but they also bring a personal touch that makes the business that bit brighter.
Winner
Highly Commended
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Best digital marketing campaign
A campaign which was successfully run purely on digital channels.
Winner
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Digital innovation
Digital is the way forward so these businesses are leading the way that others are sure to follow.
Winner
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Best independent retailer
This business has survived the pandemic and now tackling a cost-of-living crisis. They are truly beating the odds to support customers and make the high street work for them.
Winner
Highly Commended
Whittams Hire
Watermark Gallery
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Inclusivity Award
Vital recognition for a company that have demonstrated working practices with a proactive approach to inclusivity, giving people a chance to thrive.
Winner
Highly Commended
The Judges
Marcus Boardall
CEO
Marcus, a qualified Chartered Accountant, joined the family business, Reed Boardall in 2003 where he continues his father’s legacy of supporting and encouraging his colleagues in the pursuit of excellence.
Charlene Lyons
CEO
Charlene, an experienced management consultant, became CEO of Black Sheep Brewery in early 2020 after a period as a consultant, helping the business evolve and grow its position as a famous Yorkshire brand.
Martin Rae
CEO
Martin Rae is the CEO and Founder of CLOUD NINE - a Harrogate-based international haircare brand founded by Martin, his brother and stepdad.
CLOUD NINE was founded in 2008 with a small team. CLOUD NINE is now a global brand with a strong presence in Australia and Europe as well as in the UK.
Martin was recently crowned winner of LDC’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders of 2022 as featured in The Times.
James Farrar
COO
James works with the York and North Yorksire Local Enterprise Partnership partners and Board to mobilise the team into action. His experience includes leading responses to recession, grown his own professional services business allowing him to have an understanding of business needs and how to encourage economic growth.
Judging Information
- The Stray Ferret Business Awards is judged by an independent panel of experts. They are chosen for their expertise, experience and positions in the industry and its various sectors.
- Judges give their free time to participate in the judging process.
- Judges with conflicts of interest in categories will not participate in the judging of those categories.
- Following the deadline, judges are given every entry, provided in the same format and without any material that goes against the terms and conditions.
- Judges score each entry according to the criteria of each category.
- Judges will then meet to discuss their scores and make a final decision during a single day of judging, based on the contents of the written entry.
- The judging process is confidential and all decisions are final.