THE annual Ilkley Business Awards held on Friday evening celebrated the very best businesses in the community.

The 200 guests at the King's Hall and Winter Garden enjoyed a drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal. The event was compered by Nick Hancock and Will Smith from Stray FM, with surprise entertainment from Bare Brass Band until late.

Attracting more than 70 entries, the night saw Ilkley Cinema scoop the top award for the Winner of Winners and also New Business.

The main sponsor of the event was Sarah Siddons Financial Planning who specialises in providing retirement planning advice. Sarah said: “I have lived and worked in Ilkley for 10 years and I am delighted to have the opportunity to support this official recognition of the great businesses and business people here in our town."

Sarah Siddons Financial Planning works with clients to put the right financial plans in place for their retirement and ensures that clients use their available assets to maximise their income in the most tax efficient way possible.

Sarah added: “It’s brilliant to be part of such a healthy, thriving business community where people are taking risks and being supported by the local residents and businesses. I was thrilled to announce Ilkley Cinema as the overall winner at the ceremony as it’s a fantastic example of a business which took a risk and truly succeeded. It’s been wonderful to witness all the public support the cinema has received – it’s a great venue.”

Winners included Shoo Social Media, Approach PR and the Virtual College who picked up the awards for Micro, Small and Large Business of the Year respectively.

Employee of the Year went to Kelly Hand of Law Fair Square and Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Jonathan Brown at the Wheatley Arms. Business Personality of the Year went to Suzanne Watson of Approach PR and Outside The Box received the People’s Choice Award, voted for by the community.

Suzanne Watson said: “Approach PR relocated to Ilkley from central Bradford in 2012 and as a team, we’ve never looked back. Ilkley is an incredible place to do business – it’s a true nerve centre of talent, a perfect environment for nurturing entrepreneurism and a close knit and supportive business centre. This is our 16th year in business and we are absolutely thrilled to win two categories – and for our account executive Rebekha White to be nominated for Employee of the Year - in the Ilkley Business Awards. To be recognised for the work we do and the role we play is not only an honour, but an incredible boost for our own team who truly deserve the recognition for all the added value they bring to this business, to our clients and to our community.”

Award sponsors included: Sarah Siddons Financial Planning, the Ilkley Business Forum, Wheatley Arms, Hunters, Barclays, U Dentistry, Spooner Industries, Box Tree restaurant, Denton Hall, Ilkley BNI, Erica Berry, Pinnacle, Approach PR, The Alternative Board, LCF, and Angus Roberts.

Independent judges chose the finalists for each category and the overall winners which were:

  • Green Business of the Year - Green Clean Housekeeping
  • Apprentice/Trainee of the Year – Jonathan Brown, Wheatley Arms

• Employee of the Year - Kelly Hand, Law Fair Square

• Small Business of the Year – Approach PR

• Professional Services Business of the Year – Law Fair Square

• Health and Beauty Business of the Year – Harvey & Co

• Business Personality of the Year – Suzanne Watson, Approach PR

• Hospitality Business of the Year – Wheatley Arms

• Independent Retailer of the Year – Poppy Red

• Micro Business of the Year – Shoo Social Media

• Large Business of the Year – Virtual College

• New Business of the Year – Ilkley Cinema

• People’s Choice Award – Outside The Box Cafe

• Winner of Winners – Ilkley Cinema

The awards have been driven by Ilkley Business Forum members and supported by the Ilkley Parish Council and were created to celebrate the achievements of organisations in the area.