THE WINNERS of the inaugural Ryedale Business Awards were announced last week.

Over 130 nominations were received for the awards across eight categories which were judged by Councillor Linda Cowling, leader of Ryedale District Council, Richard Shaw of Ellis Patents in Rillington and Ian Rogers of RV Rogers LTD, near Pickering.

The winners were:

Learning and Development (sponsored by Alex Yoxall Photography) - Ryetools.

Community Contribution (sponsored by the Handy Mag) -Terrington Stores.

Young Entrepreneur (sponsored by Ryedale District Council) - Fergus Court Funeral Services.

Innovation (Sponsored by Vale Radio) - The Consultancy Team.

Rural Diversification (Sponsored by Anna Lupton) - Studford Luxury Lodges.

Start Up Business (sponsored by FSB) - Horsetown Beers.

Long Standing Business award (sponsored by Pearson and Ward Solicitors) - RV Rogers Ltd

Ryedale Champion (sponsored by Gillies Jones Glass)- Cuckavalda Gundogs.

Each winner received a handmade glass bowl donated by Kate Jones of Gillies Jones Glass.

Cllr Cowling said: “We were totally blown away by the diversity of applications received, as judges we went on a real learning curve, we look forward to supporting these awards in the future for the benefit and celebration of Ryedale’s wonderful businesses”

The next awards will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Anyone interested in being involved should email awards@ryebas.co.uk