THE finalists of Ryedale’s third business awards have been revealed.

Anna Lupton, who organises the awards, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response of such diverse entries.

“The number of finalists much exceeds previous years as they were so many who deserved recognition for their dedication to hard work.”

The finalists are:

  • Young entrepreneur, sponsored by John Cracknell, Young Enterprise Bank:
  • Barley Gillespie - Syletech, Bethan Sian - SJE Dog Walking, Upcycled Bottles;
  • Innovation, sponsored by Federation of Small Businesses: Bakehouse in the Barn, Celebrity Masks, Locavo Ltd, Upcycled Bottles;
  • Community Contribution, sponsored by Thomas The Baker: C L Dunn, Derwent Training, Derwent Diggers, Helmsley Walled Garden;
  • Food and Drink, sponsored by Vacform Group: Florian Poirot, Ryedale Rare and Native Breeds, The Grapes of Slingsby, The Purple Carrot;
  • Best Customer Service, sponsored by Rosti Automotives: Homeworks, Kuba Bartosiewicz, Sophie Palmer-Bunting, Spears Travel;
  • Best Rural Business, sponsored by Crombie Wilkinson: Rogers Roses, Ryedale Rare and Native Breeds, Studford Lodges;
  • Family-run Business, sponsored by Cuckavalda: Gundogs, Claridges of Helmsley, The Grapes of Slingsby, Piggies in the Middle, Rolco 144, Wayside Holiday Park;
  • Ryedale Champion, sponsored by Studford Lodges: Ryedale Mumbler, Raymond Whitwell, Sarah Walker, Upcycled Bottles.

The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, January 15, at the Feathers in Helmsley, at 9am. Tickets are £20, which includes breakfast, and available by phoning 01347 868526.