A SPECIALIST baker, a classic car company and a micro-brewery were among the winners at a glitzy awards ceremony.
Bradford City's former chief operating officer James Mason, currently the CEO at West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, was the guest of honour and spoke of the value that small and medium-sized enterprises bring to the wider economic climate.
He then helped to present the 2024 Otley Business Awards alongside ceremony organiser and Chair of Otley BID Katie Burnett.
More than 100 people gathered at Otley Golf Club to recognise success in 11 categories from Best Eatery to Best Team, as well as a special award for Outstanding Contribution to the Business Community.
Now in their 10th year and organised by Otley’s Chamber of Trade, the awards were fiercely contested thanks to an extensive judging process that includes nominations from the public and mystery shopper visits from industry experts.
The last award of the evening was particularly welcomed by attendees as Rachel Michael of Rachel’s Odds & Ends was recognised for her long-standing contribution to the business community.
Commenting after the event, Mr Mason said: “Congratulations to all winners and entries at the Otley Business Awards and thank you for inviting me to share my own stories after dinner. Hearing your anecdotes of resilience and entrepreneurship was inspiring.”
Katie Burnett said: “Otley’s business community continues to buck the trend at a time when many other small towns are facing increasing economic uncertainty. While Otley is not immune to those pressures, the resilience and inventiveness of our business community continues to shine and offer a positive message of both vitality and community.
“I’d like to offer my thanks to James Mason for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us, Otley Golf Club for hosting us, all out sponsors, my co-organisers Helen Wilkinson and Pippa Ridley and, of course, the public who helped choose the winners."
Otley Business Awards 2024 winners in full
- Best Eatery: Milk Bar
- Best Newcomer: Janet Francis – The Home Movement
- Best Professional Services: Althams Travel
- Best Health, Beauty & Wellness: Joey Sports Massage Therapy
- Best Retail: Underground Bakery
- Best Pub/Bar: The Rose & Crown
- Outstanding Tradesperson: Neil Stringwell Tarmacadam
- Eco Friendly Business: Like Nana Did
- Rising Star: Jade Brabiner of Puffin Pottery
- Team Of The Year: Classic Car Lab
- Community Award: Shadow Brewing
- Outstanding Contribution To The Business Community : Rachel Michael
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