A NEW business award scheme which will celebrate the variety and quality of businesses in Richmond has been sponsored by a district council.

Richmondshire District Council has agreed to become the joint main sponsor of the awards run by Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association (ORBTA), which now has the strength of almost 100 members.

ORBTA has joined forces with the Company of Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers of Richmond (Yorkshire) to establish the new, annual business awards scheme. Richmondshire District Council will give financial support to getting the awards off the ground.

Jamie Edgar, clerk to the Company of Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers of Richmond is enthusiastic about their involvement.

He said: “The company is delighted to be involved in the inaugural Business Excellence Awards – 2020 promoting Business, Tourism and their employees in Richmondshire, with the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association.”

“The earliest recorded minutes of the Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers in 1580, indicate a strong trade association, established to promote, train and assist its members. While the exact nature and purpose of the company has evolved over the years, these strong values are as relevant today as they were 440 years ago."

Councillor Angie Dale, leader of Richmondshire District Council said: “Richmond has a wealth of great businesses and great people working for them, so we welcome these awards scheme to highlight their work. We look forward to being part of the celebrations to mark the best the town has to offer.”

Marcia McLuckie, chair of ORBTA, said: “We are very grateful for the support to establish and run these new awards for Richmond”.

Businesses are invited to enter the awards on their own behalf and may also nominate other businesses. The public are also invited to put forward their choices. Applications open at originalrichmond.co.uk on Wednesday, January 15 and close midnight February 26.