The Farm Dairy Archives - The Stray Ferret

The Farm Dairy takes main prize at Knaresborough Business Awards

The Farm Dairy was named business of the year in the first Knaresborough Business Awards on Saturday.

The event, organised by the new Knaresborough Business Collective, attracted 132 guests — 50 more than initially expected.

Sixteen awards, voted on by other local businesses, were handed out at Hopewell Farm, with the main one going to longstanding deli, cheesemonger and sandwich shop The Farm Dairy, based on Market Place.

Jenna Routh, who has owned the business for seven years, said:

“I feel really honoured and proud that our little shop was recognised as the best in Knaresborough.

“We couldn’t have done without the support of our brilliant team and loyal customers.”

Everyone involved with the awards, from the caterers and trophy providers to the entertainers, runs a business in Knaresborough.

Natalie Horner, of Sid Horner and Son, who organised the event with Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, said she was already planning a similar event next year:

“It all went so well and the feedback we’ve had has been amazing — people had a lovely time.

“We aimed to get 80 guests and then tickets kept selling so we expanded and ordered more tables.

“It was lovely for everyone to get together. After the last couple of years, people wanted a morale booster.”

Knaresborough Business Collective was formed eight months ago, shortly after companies in the town voted against setting a business improvement district. Currently 62 firms pay £50 a year membership.

It provides a vehicle for businesses to work collaboratively to promote the town. Profit from events is used to fund future initiatives.

The collective is now working on a Halloween extravaganza in the town centre and a winter fair. Ms Horner said:

“Knaresborough is doing well, there are not many empty shops. We just want to keep that going.”