PLAYSCHEME creates bespoke outdoor and indoor play areas that are fun, robust and innovative.

It was started more than 20 years ago by father and son joiners, John and Steve Danby, who were building sets for York theatres and touring productions. A short while after the business commenced, a request for wooden play equipment from Haxby and Wigginton Play Association set the pair off in a new direction. John’s wife, Carol, joined, organising business activities and the accounts.

The company, a contender for Business Innovation of the Year, now employ 20 people, including designers and estimators. Investment in software and workshop equipment has speeded-up design and turnaround times.

Its products are in venues across the UK, from schools, shopping centres and airports to garden centres, all made in the firm’s Elvington workshop.

They add: “We believe this award entry demonstrates how we continue to invest in Playscheme and in our employees. Pushing the boundaries means we can do what we’re best at: creating fun, unique and inspirational children’s play environments.”