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.

Not even an amber weather warning could stop the Stray Ferret Business Awards in March, with a turnout of nearly 400 people and many smiling faces, we’re looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.

Following the success of our inaugural event, the Stray Ferret Business Awards will be making its return next year – and we’re ready to receive your entries!

Sponsored by local financial advisers Prosperis, the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 will take place in the Pavilions of Harrogate on Thursday, March 14.

The awards ceremony will recognise businesses of all sectors and sizes to highlight the best and brightest in the Harrogate district’s business community – including Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale.

The black-tie event will include our all-important awards ceremony, a special Winner’s Lounge sponsored by LCF Law and entertainment throughout the evening

Whether you’ve seen significant business growth, place sustainability at the centre of your core values, or provide great progression for your employees, our awards will shine a light on excellent organisations and individuals.

There are 10 award categories to enter:

• Best Employer – sponsored by Jones Myers
• Best Use of Digital – sponsored by A.S.E Computer Services
• Business Growth – sponsored by Raworths Solicitors
• Business of the Year – sponsored by Reed Boardall
• Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors
• Rising Star Under 30 – sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants
• Sustainable Business – sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub
• Best Independent Retailer*
• Dynamic Leader*
• Employee Appreciation*

Emma Harris, Commercial Manager of the Stray Ferret, said:

“We were blown away by the success of our inaugural Business Awards ceremony earlier this year and hope the 2024 event will not disappoint.

“The Stray Ferret Business Awards highlights businesses that are making a difference in the community, as well as those who have overcome adversity and are going strong.

“We can’t wait to see the entries.

“It is entirely free to enter and the Stray Ferret will showcase the fantastic work of all finalists and winners, so we encourage you to put your business forward today.

“The Harrogate district may be a small part of the world, but includes hugely successful businesses with talented individuals who we believe deserve to be recognised.”

Entries are now open.

*There are still a small number of sponsorship opportunities available, so don’t miss out on showcasing your business to the district ahead of and on the night of the awards ceremony.

For more information on the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024, contact advertising@thestrayferret.co.uk .