LAST week saw over 75 businesses attend the launch night for the Ilkley Business Awards 2020.

The event at The Craiglands Hotel on Wednesday, September 11, gave businesses the opportunity to hear from previous winners and to pick up some top tips on writing a good entry.

Kelly Edmundson, solicitor at LCF Law and part of a six strong team making up this year’s committee said: “Because the Awards are judged by a team of business leaders and academics from outside the area, they have little or no knowledge of Ilkley’s businesses.

“It’s therefore really important for entries to address all the areas in the individual category criteria.

“The judges only have this to consider so the entries need to tell the story of the business and answer all the relevant points.

“We have seen some businesses that locally are very well respected not be short-listed because the judges didn’t see any passion expressed in the entry.

“We want people to have the best chance of success and get the most out of entering.”

Brooke Adams, event planner at Denton Hall and committee member added: “The Awards are now a regular feature in the Ilkley business community calendar.

“Demand for tickets has exceeded capacity for the last few years and we have therefore taken the decision to move the event to The Craiglands Hotel.

“The Launch event gave the opportunity for our sponsors to come along and promote themselves and for businesses thinking of entering to ask questions and network with other local like-minded business owners and leaders.”

Tickets for Ilkley Business Awards night, which will include a welcome drink and canapes, three course dinner, entertainment and a disco are £42.50 each.

Anyone wanting to register their interest in tickets can do so on the website – www.ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk or by emailing hello@ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk.

* Entry to the awards is now open and will close on January 17, 2020. The winners will be announced at the black-tie event at The CraiglandsHotel on Friday, Marcy 6, 2020.

Enter online at ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk by clicking on the category you wish to enter and complete the online form.