The shortlist has been announced for the 2023 Teesdale Business Awards, with Lord Barnard confirmed as the keynote speaker.

Awards will be handed out in 12 categories at the ceremony, which will take place at The Witham in Barnard Castle on Thursday, November 23.

The awards are being organised by Enterprise House, which manages office space for businesses in Teesdale, and aim to provide recognition to businesses, individuals and social enterprises in the area.

Business advisor, John Atkinson, will host the ceremony, joined by businesswoman and voice over artist Emma Hignett, who has both won and sponsored awards in previous years.

Peter Dixon, event organiser, said: “It's always been a pleasure releasing the shortlist for the Teesdale Business Awards. This year it is good to see previous winners sponsoring a category and therefore giving their support to other businesses in Teesdale. The shortlist also highlights the wide range of businesses we have in Teesdale, making Teesdale not only a beautiful place to live but also a fantastic place to work."

The keynote speaker will be Lord Barnard. Awards co-ordinator Gail Coll said: “We are delighted to announce Lord Barnard as our keynote speaker. Raby Estates are a major employer in the area bringing jobs and economic benefits across the county, whilst restoring its historic buildings for future generations to enjoy.”

Awards shortlist

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Teesdale Renewables Ltd

Leon Blackburn (Mark Gibson Motor Services), Liam Lapham (Teesdale Renewables), Izzy Sloan (GSK)

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Tilly Bailey & Irvine

Daniel Howson (Howsons Heating Services Ltd), Craig Huddart (Rocket Heritage & Archaeology Ltd), Issy Roughan (Howell Media)

Social Responsibility, sponsored by The Greenfields

Embleton Interiors Ltd, TCR Hub, What Sue Grew, Made and Found

Best Community Engagement, sponsored by Raby Estates

Startforth Morritt Memorial Community Centre, Teesdale Day Clubs, YMCA Teesdale

Most Innovative Business, sponsored by Howell Media

Blagraves (Bleak Houses Interiors, Homes & Décor Ltd), The Butty Market, Palmers Plants Flowers & Besp-Oak Creations

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, sponsored by GSK

Abbeyfield Barnard Castle, TCR Hub, The Witham

Best Business Trading Outside of Teesdale, sponsored by Technimark

Howell Media, Perfect Print and Promotions Ltd, Tall Tales Mysteries

Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Durham

Gelato Tutti Ltd, McGarry & Co, Rocket Heritage & Archaeology Ltd

Best Customer Focus, sponsored by Towergate Insurance

Blossom Home Care Teesdale & Weardale, Nobia & Sons, Vere Road Garage

Best Social Enterprise, sponsored by Barnard Castle School

Making Memories, Play@Cotherstone, YMCA Teesdale

Best New Business, sponsored by Blossom Homecare Teesdale and Weardale

Blagraves (Bleak Houses, Interiors, Homes & Décor Ltd), High Farm Holiday Park Ltd, Rocket Heritage & Archaeology Ltd

Best Business, sponsored by Teesdale Cheesemakers

Gelato Tutti Ltd, Howell Media, McGarry & Co

  • Tickets cost £10 and are available to purchase online from the Witham box office via www.thewitham.org.uk.