Reflecting on a Celebration of Local Excellence
Following a standout evening for our district's business community, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce President Phill Holdsworth shares his thoughts on the 21st annual Harrogate Business Awards.
A proud night for Harrogate business
Best SME Company - IDR Law Photo: Gerard Binks
Last week's Harrogate Business Awards at the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel & Spa was a wonderful celebration of the talent, energy and commitment in our district's business community. Now in their 21st year, the awards continue to show just how much our local businesses bring to Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the surrounding towns and villages.
I'd like to warmly congratulate all 14 winners, from IDR Law, Full Circle Funerals and The Yorkshire Hearing Clinic to Ripon Museum Trust, Stump Cross Caverns and Harrogate International Festivals, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award. To Michelle Hayes, winner of Business Leader / Entrepreneur of the Year, and The Fat Badger Group, winner of the Judges Choice Award. Each of you has earned your recognition, and I wish you every success in the years ahead.
It was a real honour to present the Best SME Company award on behalf of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations again to IDR Law, a worthy winner in a strong field.
I'd also like to say something to every business that was shortlisted. Reaching the final is a real achievement in itself, and the judges clearly had some difficult decisions to make. Please be proud of what you've achieved, because to all of us who know the work behind each entry, you're winners too.
Thank you to the Harrogate Advertiser, National World Events, the sponsors and the judges for putting on such a positive, well-run evening. The Chamber is proud to support the awards as Programme Sponsor, and we look forward to celebrating with you again next year.
You can view a full photo gallery from the evening on the Harrogate Advertiser website, and winners can be seen here.
Phill Holdsworth
President, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce
