Yorkshire Children’s Charity’s annual celebration of Yorkshire’s best businesses took place on Friday 17 November, bringing together business leaders from across the region to share success and raise vital funds to support children living at a disadvantage this winter.
Held at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds, the awards recognised some incredible achievements across a range of sectors, as well as the winners of the Yorkshires. Young Entrepreneur Challenge in partnership with LEAP which sees secondary school pupils build a business from scratch with the support of mentors from the local business community,
The evening was compered by Isabel Webster, co-host of the award winning ‘Breakfast with Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster’, while speakers included Channel 4’s ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ star Jason Fox and BBC’s The Apprentice star and business mogul, Linda Plant.
The evening raised over £180,000 which will enable Yorkshire Children’s Charity to continue providing vital support to some of the region’s most vulnerable children. This year, the charity has seen a 300% increase in applications for their Christmas Campaign as families struggle to afford winter essentials and Christmas gifts against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Winners
Large Corporate of the Year
Cranswick PLC – Cranswick is a food production company with 33 years of consecutive dividend growth, while their ambitious sustainability strategy, ‘Second Nature Sustainability’, is intrinsic to everything they do.
Mid-Market Corporate of the Year
Kelling Group – Kelling Group is a leading provider of specialist equipment to growing infrastructure and end markets, with a robust business strategy, rapidly emerging green credentials and an impeccable financial record.
ESG Excellence
Harrison Spinks – A luxury mattress and bed producer that lives its owner’s values. They are an innovative business that has driven a lot of change, stating that “Together, we are passionate about creating a happier and healthier world”.
Innovation in Business
Gripple LTD & Loadhog LTD – These proud Yorkshire businesses have been built top-down and bottom-up. The exceptional culture created by employee ownership results in sustainable growth, with a demonstrable long-term track record of success.
Business Leader of the Year
Edward Naylor of Naylor Industries PLC, who said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to accept this award on behalf of our fantastic team. Not many family businesses make it into the fourth generation and it’s thanks to a huge team effort that we have reached our 133rd year whilst still growing and prospering. We’re really grateful to the judges for acknowledging all our hard work.”
Carr Manor Community School were announced as the winner of the Yorkshires. Young Entrepreneur Challenge, after creating ‘Drip’, a business selling personalised water bottles, with Dixons Trinity Chapeltown and Lawnswood School taking the runners up awards.
