The thriving Wold Top Brewery from the East Riding was the toast of the York Press Business Awards,
The farm-based business from Wold Newton, near Hunmanby, won the sustainability category and was also the overall winner for 2024.
Hundreds of members of the York and North Yorkshire business community enjoyed the glittering, black tie awards on Friday night, staged at York Racecourse and are now in their 34th year attracting around 200 entries a year.
The 2024 headline sponsors were York St John University and the LNER train company.
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Winners revealed of 2024 York Press Business Awards
Before a meal of tomato soup, chicken supreme and sticky toffee pudding, guests heard from recently-elected York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith.
David, who owns the Winstons of York clothing store in Back Swinegate, said it has been incredibly challenging running the shop for ten years but working in York, on its high street, had put him “in good stead to speak on behalf of business and put York and North Yorkshire on the map.”
Mayor Skaith says the region has “exceptional” businesses and organisations, with some employing just a handful of people but doing “amazing things” in artificial intelligence. The region also has “amazing” food producers, citing Nestle and McCain Foods that also put the region on the map.
David added the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is keen to engage with businesses as much possible.
Compere for the evening was events producer, broadcaster, doctor and tv hypnotist Aaron Calvert, who also gave a few performances during the night.
Announcing the awards, 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
Brewery directory Kate Balchin told the Press afterwards: “We're delighted and proud to have been awarded the overall business of the year. Our fabulous team work hard to produce great-tasting beer in the most sustainable way, and it means a lot to us all to win this prestigious award."
Other winners also expressed their delight on social media.
Among them, Simon Cotton of HRH Hotels, who won the Retail, Tourism and Leisure category posted: “BOOM!our day just got even better !!!!!! Award winners !! At #York Business Awards #PressAwards2024 Thanks for everyone’s amazing support and this one is for all the team at HRH !!”
Finalists who were unsuccessful, were also happy.
Iris Mavrogeni, who launched Irish Graphics two years ago, was a finalist in the New Business and Sustainability categories.
Iris posted: “We might not have won the awards in our categories, but being in a room full of very well established businesses, so many inspiring personalities and seeing my face and my business projected in the 18 screens in the room... Oh My God!“Feels like a win to me,” she added.
Business groups and sponsors also report a great night:
Liz Wood of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber commented: “Excellent evening celebrating the success and achievements throughout the York district.”
YO1 Radio posted: “A great night at York Racecourse for @yorkpress LOCALiQ Business Awards 2024. We were delighted to sponsor the Best Large Business category - and congratulations to the very deserved winners, @yorkbarbican.”
As previously reported, Apprentice of the Year, which is sponsored by Merchant Adventurers Hall, went to Reuben Philpott of Vanguard Heating Supplies of Tockwith, who also won the very same award two years ago.
Business Innovation, sponsored by Fera Science Ltd, went to Mindful Memorials, the York-based stonemasonry business.
Business Personality, sponsored by York Racecourse, went to Alex McCallion, the Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster.
Employer of the Year, sponsored by City Cruises, went to The Grand, York’s top 5-star hotel.
Family Business, sponsored by JW Myers Monumental Masons, went to the Yorkshire Heart Vineyard at Nun Monkton, whose Spakouskas family also operate a brewery.
Large Business, sponsored by YO1 Radio, went to leading entertainment venue York Barbican.
Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by Parsons Accountants, went to Yorvale of Acaster Malbis whose owner Ian and Lesley Buxton make ice cream using milk from their farm.
New Business, sponsored by NFU Mutual, went to Ergo Styling Tools UK of Dunnington, who imports and sells the world’s only fully ergonomic hair styling brushes.
Retail, Leisure and Hospitality, sponsored by York Data Services, went to the Harrogate -based HRH Group, who have hotels and pubs across York and North Yorkshure, including Clementines and the Guy Fawkes in York, plus the Fat Badger chain.
Small Business, sponsored by Hethertons Solicitors, went to TRTRehab.
*A special supplement with more pictures and details will feature in tomorrow's Press.
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