THE committee running the Ilkley Business Awards are holding a launch event on Wednesday, October 12 to mark the opening of entries to the 2023 competition and all LS29 businesses are invited.

The event is being held at The Craiglands Hotel and will commence with a complimentary drink and canapes at 5.30pm. There will be the opportunity to view this year’s categories, hear information about entering, sponsorship opportunities and ask questions whilst networking with other local businesses. Free tickets are limited to two per business and attendees need to register via Eventbrite. Search ‘Ilkley Business Awards’.

This year’s committee is made up of Helen Rhodes from Ilkley BID and Ideal Extraction Ltd, Jos Mountcastle from JCM Website Design, David Waterhouse from Whitetop Productions, Jessica McGregor from Piper House Events, Lynn Tennant from Tennant and Darragh Jewellery Workshop and Lynda Privatt from LFW Podiatry.

Lynn and Lynda join the team for the first time this year and have both been past sponsors and past winners. Lynn said: “Tennant and Darragh have been involved with the Ilkley Business Awards every year since it started in 2016 as either a sponsor or a short-listed business. We think the awards are amazing, they bring kudos and pride to the short-listed businesses and raise the business profile. When Helen asked me if I would like to get involved, I didn’t hesitate!”.

Lynda Privatt added: “The community of Ilkley is as strong as its hard working, innovative business people. It is an honour to see the business community thrive whilst also being a valued part of it. My business, LFW Podiatry was honoured to win awards in both 2019 and 2022, and I know what an amazing sense of achievement both myself and my team felt on both occasions. I’m eager be part of the committee to help create the 2023 Ilkley Business Awards and make it a night to recognise and celebrate the success and hard work of our local LS29 businesses.”

Helen Rhodes said: “The Awards are a not-for-profit event funded by sponsors and this year’s sponsorship opportunities are now open. We are heavily supported by the Ilkley Business Forum, who started the event in 2016 and we have had the backing of some fabulous local businesses who have been with us year after year, showing they appreciate the coverage the Awards gives them.”

Category sponsorship costs have been held at £450 and there are also many event sponsorship opportunities at £395. Anyone interested in finding out more can attend the launch event or email the committee – hello@ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk

Tickets for the event itself will be on sale from launch day via the website – www.ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk . (Ticket sales initially limited to six per businesses – email the awards committee if you would like to be placed on the waiting list for more when they are released).