INSPIRATIONAL managers and staff were honoured at the inaugural Love Northallerton Business Awards.

The ceremony, which took place virtually because of coronavirus restrictions, recognised the High Street heroes who go the extra mile for clients and are passionately committed to excellent customer service

There were 12 award categories for the 200-plus members of Northallerton Business Improvement District (BID), covering everything from small beauty and hairdressing shops to the town’s biggest retailers.

Thousands watched the celebrations via YouTube and social media platforms, with interviews of the lucky winners included.

The awards were compered by resident local radio presenter Tim Lichfield, who will be joining new station YorkMix when it launches in January.

"We’d like to say a big thanks to Tim and all our sponsors who made the event possible," said Northallerton BID manager Graham Bell.

"These awards have certainly given businesses something to celebrate in lockdown. The show brought out wonderful stories of devoted business owners and staff who are so proud of what they bring to the town. These are the people who make Northallerton truly special," he added.

As well as the main awards, a Special Achievement trophy was presented to Hayley Thompson, owner of Maid in North Yorkshire, who has overcome serious health issues to expand her thriving cleaning services business. The award ceremony can still be viewed via the Love Northallerton YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrhauqQpoug

Awards were:

  • Professional Service Business of the Year, sponsored by Barkers, winner: Colin Hutson Accounting.
  • Small Business Award sponsored by Lewis & Cooper, winner: J Thompson Butchers.
  • Large Retailer of the Year sponsored by Hambleton District Council, winner: Barkers.
  • Health, Hair and Beauty Business of the Year sponsored by Colin Hutson Accounting, winner: Hair & Beauty Secrets.
  • Food and Drink Business of the Year, sponsored by Walter Thompson (Contractors) Ltd, winner: Lewis & Cooper.
  • Best Customer Service Award sponsored by The Potting Shed, winner: Maxwell’s of Northallerton.
  • Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Yorkshire Fireplaces winner: Andrew Sykes (Walter Thompson (Contractors) Ltd.
  • Employee of the Year sponsored by Wykeland Group, winner: Ruth Wilkinson, Mitchells Newsagents.
  • Employer of the Year sponsored by Bettys winner: Walter Thompson (Contractors) Ltd.
  • Businesswoman of the Year sponsored by The Federation of Small Businesses, winner: Julie Hutson, Colin Hutson Accounting.
  • Community Spirit Award, sponsored by Scyzory winner: M&Co.
  • Special Achievement Award presented to Hayley Thompson, Maid in North Yorkshire.