CHAMPAGNE corks were popping as the winners of this year’s Love Northallerton Business Awards were announced

After weeks of suspense, the honours were revealed at a gala black-tie dinner at the Golden Lion Hotel compered by Elly Fiorenti, BBC Radio York’s senior communities journalist.

Competition was hot across the 12 categories spanning all business sectors from the largest employers to small independents. There were also prizes for the best employer, employee and apprentice, a community spirit award and a special achievement award.

The bi-annual awards were organised by Northallerton Business Improvement District (BID) who received almost 100 nominations from members of the public and the businesses themselves.

BID co-ordinator and organiser, Helen Crannage said: “Huge congratulations to our winners and a very special thanks to all our sponsors. It was great to honour the hard-working businesspeople of Northallerton after two tough years caused by the pandemic.”

The event raised £527 for the victims of Ukraine through a champagne balloon raffle and heads and tails game.

The winners were:

Professional Service Business of the Year

Sponsored by Barkers of Northallerton

Alexander Optometrists

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by Colin Hutson Accounting

Maxwells of Northallerton

Large Business of the Year

Sponsored by Hubspoke Marketing

Royal Mail

Health, Hair & Beauty Business of the Year

Sponsored by Mitchell’s Newsagents

Sonny Playforth Hairdressing

Food & Drink Business of the Year

Sponsored by Emmerson Marketing

1 Twenty 7

Best Customer Service

Sponsored by Herriot Country Tourism Group

The Works

Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by C4DI

Anya Hudson-Stockdale (Sonny Playforth Hairdressing)

Employee of the Year

Sponsored by Hambleton District Council

Katy Anderson (Northallerton Glass)

Employer of the Year

Sponsored by University of Sunderland

Scyzory

Businessperson of the Year

Sponsored by Walker Foster Solicitors

Sonny Playforth

Community Spirit Award

Sponsored by Northallerton Town Council

Carmel Carrick

Special Achievement Award

Sponsored by Northallerton Business Improvement District

Susan Ganderton-Jackson (Earth Unwrapped)