A FAMILY printing company based in rural North Yorkshire was the star of the show at The Press Business Awards 2012 last night.

Ryedale Group, based in Kirkbymoorside, won three awards at the prestigious black tie event, including the title of overall Press Business Of The Year.

The second and third generation family business, run by managing director John Buffoni, his son, James, and brother Steve, has changed dramatically since its establishment in the early 1950s.

From supplying printed materials locally, it has continued to adapt to the market, specialising in plastics to become a leading supplier of horticultural labels and plastic cards.

Now it continues to invest in innovation as it attempts to lead the world in printed electronics, an industry expected to be worth $200 billion by 2020.

Last year, it became the first company in the world to print working electronics of its kind, enabling it to create an “electronic nose”sensor which could detect volatile chemicals in breath to diagnose diseases such as cancer.

Ryedale Group also won Family Business Of The Year and Best Business And Higher Education Link.

The Press Business Awards 2012, hosted by compere Kate Walby, news reporter for ITV’s Calendar, was the biggest and best in its 22-year history, a sell-out event attracting about 350 guests. More businesses than ever entered the 2012 awards, which received 220 entries over 15 different categories.

Steve Hughes, managing editor of The Press, said: “These awards pay tribute to the ambition, innovation and diversity of York’s business community. “Every year we get more entries and every one of our finalists is helping to spread the word that York is a great business city.”

Kersten England, chief executive of City of York Council, told business leaders before the dinner how York was targeting new international markets and helping to support local businesses.

This was backed up by a new award launched this year, Dare To Export, which recognised open source software business Isotoma, which has trebled turnover and created more than 20 new jobs since starting to export its services four years ago.

After-dinner speaker Justin Urquhart Stewart, co-founder of Seven Investment Management and experienced commentator on the economy, also entertained guests with reasons to be cheerful in the current climate.

Business Awards Winners

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Winner: Web Adventure Park
Finalists: Orillo Productions; United By Design

DARE TO EXPORT
Winner: Isotoma Ltd
Finalists: York Mailing Ltd; Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS)

GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Winner: Inspirepac
Finalists: PureNet; UK Juicers Ltd

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Winner: Ryedale Group
Finalists: El Piano; Wold Top Brewery

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Winner: Edward Wilkinson, Herb Fed Poultry Ltd
Finalists: Ben Allen, Oomph; Faye Larcum-Wright, Eminence Nail Salons

WOMEN IN ENTERPRISE
Winner: Ann Scott, S Harrison
Finalists: Emily Williamson, Hotel du Vin; Juliana Delaney, Continuum Group

BUSINESS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Winner: Paul Gibson, PureNet
Finalists: Peter Gibson, Coles Solicitors; Julie Dodsworth, Dodsworth Ltd

BEST BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LINK
Winner: York Marriott
Finalists: Wolseley UK; Aviva

BEST SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INITIATIVE
Winner: University of York
Finalists: York Marriott; H&A

BEST BUSINESS AND HIGHER EDUCATION LINK
Winner: Ryedale Group
Finalists: The Distance; East Coast Mainline

THINK GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Winner: S Harrison
Finalists: Nestlé UK and Ireland; Best Western Monkbar Hotel

RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Winner: CycleStreet (York)
Finalists: MOR Music; York Cocoa House

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Winner: El Piano
Finalists: Best Western Plus Dean Court Hotel; Bedern Hall

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Winner: The Distance
Finalists: The Law Wizard; Blake House

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Winner: York Mailing Ltd
Finalists: Nestlé UK and Ireland; Omnicom Engineering Ltd

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Winner: Denise Jagger

OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Winner: Ryedale Group