The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

We are revealing what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the categories. Next up is the Best Independent Retailer Award.

This award recognises the work of independent retailers across the Harrogate district who are tackling the challenges faced by high street retailers in the growing online world.

These businesses are truly beating the odds to support customers and make the high street work for them.

Companies looking to enter for the Best Independent Retailer Award need to evidence how they have changed and adapted to continue flourish in a different high street landscape. You may have opened a new business or changed the way you operate to survive.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Independent Retailer Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Best Use of Digital Award, which is sponsored by ASE Computer Services.

This award is designed to showcase businesses which have embraced the digital world to drive success.

Those looking to enter or nominate need to provide details of the digital initiative/s and the business objectives behind them. As well as statistical information on why the initiative was a success.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Use of Digital Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

Submitting an award entry is your chance to shine and showcase the brilliance of your business. To help you stand out among the competition, here are ten tips to ensure your submission captivates the judges and secures a well-deserved win.

1. Tailor Each Entry:

Complete a new entry for each category. Specific judges’ criteria demand a tailored approach, so avoid a one-size-fits-all strategy.

2. Embrace Judges’ Criteria:

Read and understand the judges’ criteria thoroughly. Align your entry with these points for each category you’re entering.

3. Conciseness is Key:

Keep it concise and impactful. Long entries risk losing key points. Use headings aligned with judging criteria for easy navigation.

4. Highlight Key Points:

Ensure your key points stand out. Utilise bold statements and headings to emphasise critical information.

5. Supply Supporting Information:

Offer supplementary information where possible, but limit it to five pages. Overloading may not be considered by judges.

6. Compelling Opening Paragraph:

Start strong! Your opening paragraph should grab the judges’ attention with your boldest, most compelling statement.

7. Clarify Your Business Narrative:

Provide a concise description of your business. Don’t assume judges are familiar with your brand—offer a clear and informative overview.

8. Tell a Clear Story:

Craft a clear, engaging narrative. Ensure your submission unfolds as a coherent and compelling story.

9. Confidence in Presentation:

Be clear and direct. Confidently present your achievements, innovations, and impact within the scope of the award category.

10. Showcase Your Best:

Don’t hold back! This is your opportunity to showcase excellence. Boldly highlight your successes, talented team, and the greatness of your business.

Submitting an award entry demands a strategic blend of clarity, conciseness, and impactful storytelling. Present your business in the best light possible, emphasising your unique strengths and achievements.

Don’t hesitate to sell yourself—this is your moment to shine!

Remember, clarity, alignment with judging criteria, and a compelling narrative are your keys to crafting an award-winning entry. Good luck!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Business of the Year, which is sponsored by Reed Boardall

This award recognises those businesses who excel in many areas whether that’s commercial success, employee development or support the wider community around them.

These businesses represent true excellence!

Companies looking to enter for the Business of the Year Award need to provide information on how their strategic plans have enabled the business to thrive and what their plans are for the future.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Independent Retailer Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Rising Star under 30 Award, which is sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants.

This award is designed to highlight some of the young talent from across the Harrogate district.

Those nominated or who enter for the Rising Star under 30 Award are sure to make waves and build a successful career in the years to come.

Entries for this category need to provide details of the person’s background and position they hold in the business. Provide examples of how the entrant’s work ethic has affected the business for the better.

Do you know someone who deserves to win the Rising Star Under 30 Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Inclusivity Award, which is sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors.

This award is designed to give vital recognition to a company that has demonstrated working practices with a proactive approach to inclusivity.

These businesses have made employees and customers feel welcome, safe and free to be themselves, regardless of nationalities, gender, race or sexual orientations.

Companies looking to enter for the Inclusivity Award need to provide details of the steps they have taken or their policy for inclusivity and, if applicable, provide an example where it has given significant support to an employee or customer.

By giving vital recognition to those who have inclusivity at the heart of their business, we hope others will follow their example.

Does your business deserve to win the Inclusivity Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

First up is the Business Growth Award, which is sponsored by Raworths.

This award is designed to recognise those businesses that have seen significant growth in the last three years.

Business growth could be measured either financially, by employee numbers of market share increase – think about the percentages of the growth you’ve experienced – SME’s are strongly recommended to enter this category.

Companies looking to enter for the Business Growth Award need to provide evidence of the growth, background information as to the reason for growth and plans for the future.

Does your business deserve to win the Business Growth Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

Once again there is representation from some big hitters across the Harrogate district. The judges have been chosen for their wealth of experience in driving growth in a variety of sectors.

Each judge kindly gives their free time to participate in the process. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a particular category will step away for the duration of those discussions.

Last year’s judging panel is a tough act to follow so let’s see who has taken over the mantle.

Sarah Barry, Chief Executive Officer at Harrogate Town AFC

Sarah began her career in advertising at the Yorkshire Post and Harrogate Advertiser series before joining Harrogate’s first local radio station, Stray FM – which was the start of a varied management career in commercial radio before finally becoming the Managing Director of multi-award winning Stray FM – one of the UK’s most successful commercial radio stations of its size.

In September 2021, Sarah joined Harrogate Town AFC as CEO and in June 2023, Sarah was recognised at the Football Business Awards as the SkyBet League Two CEO of the year, as voted for by fellow SkyBet League Two CEO’s.

James Rycroft, Managing Director of VIDA Healthcare

James Rycroft formed Vida Healthcare in 2010 in order to offer exceptional care for people living with dementia. Over the years he has designed, developed and now operates 300 beds and employs over 500 staff.

All Vida’s homes have been rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission which is a direct result of James’ passion for quality care and quality environments.

Niall Gunn, CEO of Prosperis

Niall is an executive in retail financial services, wealth management and employee benefits with over 40 years’ experience in various executive roles with more recent focus on management. Niall operates at board level with UK regulatory approved designations, possessing excellent broad-based problem solving, communication and stakeholder management skills to ensure delivery and high effectiveness.

Experienced in developing strategies, functions and frameworks, transformational change and developing/managing existing teams.

He is the former Chairman of the Yorkshire Life & Pensions Society for an unprecedented three terms.

Heather Parry, Former managing director of Harrogate’s Yorkshire Events Centre

Heather Parry is an events professional who has spent the last 30 years building successful businesses on the Great Yorkshire Showground, including Pavilions of Harrogate, Yorkshire Event Centre, Fodder and the Harrogate Caravan Park.

Committed to good people management, communication, pushing boundaries for success and having a happy culture.

Once the deadline for entries has passed, the judges will assess each entry in the same format and without any material that goes against the terms and conditions.

The judges score the entry according to the criteria of each category. The judges will then meet to discuss their scores and make a final decision during a single day of judging. The judging process is final and all decisions are final.

It’s free and easy to enter. We will profile the great work of all the finalists, so we would encourage you to put forward your business today.

You can see a full list of award categories on our Awards page. Entries close January 19.

The shortlists for the first ever Stray Ferret Business Awards have been revealed this morning.

They feature some of the leading businesses from across the Harrogate district, as well as the up-and-coming stars of the future.

All the entries were put before the independent panel of judges, each leaders in their field: Marcus Boardall, CEO of Reed Boardall, Black Sheep Brewery CEO Charlene Lyons, Cloud Nine founder and CEO Martin Rae, and James Farrar, COO of York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Tamsin O’Brien, director of the Stray Ferret, said:

“We had well over 100 entries and the judges had a full day of discussion as they worked through each category. There was some heated debate and they had to take some difficult decisions to whittle the entries down and select our finalists.

“For its inaugural year, we were thrilled that the awards attracted such strong entries. I’d like to thank the judges for giving us their time and being so thorough in their deliberations.

“We’re all looking forward to the big night where the winners will be unveiled.”

The businesses and individuals face a nervous wait until the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, on Thursday, March 9. In a spectacular night at Pavilions of Harrogate, the winners will be announced, with each category sponsored by a leading local firm.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, with the early bird price of £85 plus VAT per ticket available until February 9. Tables of 10 are £765 plus VAT.

To book your tickets, click here.

Read more:

• Judges shortlist finalists for the Stray Ferret Business Awards
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm opens new office in Hull

The finalists are:

Best Digital Marketing Campaign sponsored by Next Chapter:

Coach Gym

Ogden of Harrogate

Mumbler

Best Employee Development sponsored by Jones Myers:

Continued Care

Grantley Hall

Howard Conrad

Best Independent Retailer sponsored by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub:

Cocoa Joe’s

Fodder

TravelGate

Watermark Gallery

Whittams Hire

Business Growth Award sponsored by Raworths Solicitors:

Bamber & Brown

Evolve Psychology Services

Harlow Consulting Services

IDR Law

The Soundproofing Store

TMR Foods

Digital Innovation sponsored by ASE Computer Services:

Re-Macs

Strive Group

Dynamic Leader sponsored by Succession Wealth:

Sarah Jones, Full Circle

Danny Wild, Harrogate College

Andrew Meehan, Harrogate Family Law

Alastair Taylor, NYnet

Ian Baker, The Soundproofing Store

Suzanna Prout, Xenonex

Inclusivity Award sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors:

Artizan Café and Creative Space

Horticap

Rising Star Under 30 sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants:

Tiffany Snowden, Blue Willow Heritage

Joe Andrew, Cocoa Joes

Laura Mounsey, Harrogate Family Law

James Owen Thomas, JOT’s Gallery

Sustainable Business sponsored by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub:

EnviroVent

Full Circle Funerals

JOT’s Gallery

NEOM Organics

Number Thirteen

Resurrected Bites

Source Climate Change Coffee

Unsung Hero sponsored by Big Bamboo:

Chris Ashby, Harrogate BID

Jago Wallace, Himalyan Garden

Kayti Mewis, Mumbler