High-res images of the above and individual winners can be downloaded here
Specialist bakers, a classic car company, a microbrewery and a boutique estate agents were among the winners on Saturday night (February 24th) as the cream of Otley businesses celebrated success at the 2024 Otley Business Awards.
In a glittering dinner and ceremony held at Otley Golf Club, the awards, that showcase the best of Otley’s thriving business community, saw more than 100 people gather to recognise success in 11 categories from Best Eatery to Best Team, as well as a special award for Outstanding Contribution to the Business Community.
Now in their 10th year and organised by Otley’s Chamber of Trade, the awards were fiercely contested thanks to an extensive judging process that includes nominations from the public and mystery shopper visits from industry experts brought in from outside the Otley community.
Guest of honour at the awards was James Mason, CEO West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The former CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire and COO of Bradford City gave a speech on the immense value that small and medium-sized enterprises bring to the wider economic climate before helping present the individual awards with ceremony organiser and Chair of Otley BID Katie Burnett.
Full details of all the winners can be seen below but the last award of the evening was particularly welcomed by attendees as Rachel Michael of Rachel’s Odds & Ends was recognised for her long-standing contribution to the business community.
Commenting on LinkedIn after the event, James Mason said: “Congratulations to all winners and entries at the Otley Business Awards and thank you for inviting me to share my own stories after dinner. Hearing your anecdotes of resilience and entrepreneurship was inspiring.”
Katie Burnett said: “Otley’s business community continues to buck the trend at a time when many other small towns are facing increasing economic uncertainty. While Otley is not immune to those pressures, the resilience and inventiveness of our business community continues to shine and offer a positive message of both vitality and community.
“I’d like to offer my thanks to James Mason for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us, Otley Golf Club for hosting us, all out sponsors, my co-organisers Helen Wilkinson and Pippa Ridley and, of course, the public who helped choose the winners.”
Otley Business Awards 2024 winners in full
Best Eatery: Milk Bar
Best Newcomer: Janet Francis – The Home Movement
Best Professional Services: Althams Travel
Best Health, Beauty & Wellness: Joey Sports Massage Therapy
Best Retail: Underground Bakery
Best Pub/Bar: The Rose & Crown
Outstanding Tradesperson: Neil Stringwell Tarmacadam
Eco Friendly Business: Like Nana Did
Rising Star: Jade Brabiner Of Puffin Pottery
Team Of The Year: Classic Car Lab
Community Award: Shadow Brewing
Outstanding Contribution To The Business Community : Rachel Michael