LET’s raise a glass to a thriving East Riding brewery, which was the overall winner of the York Press Business Awards 2024.
It was a double delight for the team from Wold Top Brewery at Wold Newton, near Hunmanby, who also won the sustainability award at the event at York Racecourse.
Hundreds of members of the York and North Yorkshire business community enjoyed the glittering, black tie awards on Friday night, which are now in their 34th year and attracted nearly 200 entries this year.
The headline sponsors were York St John University and the LNER train company.
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York Press sales director Steve Lowe commented: “What a brilliant night and it was so good to see so many great York businesses win an award.
“The evening was expertly hosted by Aaron Calvert how not only hosted but also threw in some magic too.
“A big thank you to David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire for attending and speaking too.
“Furthermore, a huge thank you to York St John University and LNER for being our headline partners, this has ended perfectly our very first York Business Festival week and we are already making plans for 2025.”
Judges praised the Wold Top Brewery for using electricity, water and barley generated at the farm, along with much recycling and initiatives to boost wildlife. The sustainability category was sponsored by Portakabin
Apprentice of the Year, which is sponsored by Merchant Adventurers Hall, went to Reuben Philpott, who also won the very same award two years ago.
Reuben has been an apprentice with Vanguard Heating Supplies of Tockwith for three years and despite serious illness continued with his studies in hospital, also noted as a role-model with a rare can-do attitude.
Business Innovation, sponsored by Fera Science Ltd, went to Mindful Memorials. The York-based stonemasonry business has opened a design studio to create better headstones. It is using digital technology to create 3d renders of memorials so customers can better what the finished product will be. It also offers retreats to the bereaved on a 200-acre farm.
Business Personality, sponsored by York Racecourse, went to Alex McCallion. Alex has been Director of Works and Precinct for seven years at York Minster, helping develop its groundbreaking Neighbourhood Plan. He also behind projects such as York’s statue to Queen Elizabeth II and the Centre of Excellence to train stonemasons. He also inspired and motivated the city to produce the ledger stone delivered to New York in May and strengthen links with the US city.
Employer of the Year, sponsored by City Cruises, went to The Grand. York’s top 5-star hotel has over 240 staff members it says are integral to its success. The Grand says it fosters a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence. Inclusivity and diversity. This has seen its staff turnover rate halve.
Family Business, sponsored by JW Myers Monumental Masons, went to the Yorkshire Heart Vineyard. Established by the Spakouskas family in 2000, Yorkshire Heart Vineyard and Brewery is at Nun Monkton, producing a range of wines and craft beers. Sales are constantly rising, further plantings are planned, awards are being won, with the wines earning top reviews on social media.
Large Business, sponsored by YO1 Radio, went to York Barbican, which records a record 2024 following a recent capacity increase to 2,010, attracting big names. It employs 14 full-time and 100+ casual staff. Turnover and audiences are rising, helped by using social media and a database of customers.
Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by Parsons Accountants, went to Yorvale. The small, independent ice cream manufacturer, based in Acaster Malbis was established in 1989 by Ian and Lesley Buxton. Employing 17 staff, the company has built a solid reputation for quality and today supplies its award-winning range of 50+ ice cream and sorbets made from milk from its own Friesian cows. Last Christmas, it produced a Pigs in Blankets ice cream for Aldi and further new products are being developed.
New Business, sponsored by NFU Mutual, went to Ergo Styling Tools UK. The Dunnington company imports and sells the world’s only fully ergonomic hair styling brushes that are proven to avoid or ease pre-existing repetitive strain injuries for hairdressing professionals.
Retail, Leisure and Hospitality, sponsored by York Data Services, went to the HRH Group. The Harrogate-based company has hotels and pubs in Harrogate, York and elsewhere in North Yorkshire, including the Fat Badger chain, which will soon open another venue. In the past year, the company cites rapid growth and extra community impact through charitable activity.
Small Business, sponsored by Hethertons Solicitors, went to TRTRehab. Aiming to transform Lives Through Innovative Rehabilitation, the company, founded in 2020, specialises in training, restoring, and transforming lives.
*See Monday’s paper for further reports and pictures from the night.
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