The wait is over, as finalists for the second year of the Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards have been named.

Applications have been sent in from all corners of the Yorkshire and Humberside region for the forthcoming Awards on Friday 10th November. The eagerly anticipated list of finalists features 42 outstanding businesses and individuals.

The Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards, organised by The Family Business Community champions family firms from across the region, recognising their achievements and celebrating their successes.

Sue Howorth, Co-Founder of The Family Business Community said, “After the success of last year we have seen a 120% increase in entries, and we cannot wait to shine a light on some of the fantastic businesses and their teams in this year’s Yorkshire and Humberside awards.”

With over 5 million family-owned businesses in the UK, employing approximately 50% of the private sector workforce, family firms are a huge contributor to the UK economy.
Dave Clarkson, Co-Founder of The Family Business Community said, “Family businesses come in all shapes and sizes, and we feel it is vitally important to represent them as a sector in their own right. From micro businesses to multi-generational companies that have been operating for hundreds of years, we’re looking forward to a real celebration at this November’s awards.”

Selena Kearvell, Senior Vice President of Marsh Commercial (who has sponsored the Manufacturing award) and one of our judges this year said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of the judging panel for the Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards. Having worked closely with family-run businesses throughout my career, I understand the resilience, passion, and dedication that these enterprises bring to their communities. It’s truly inspiring to witness their outstanding achievements and contributions. I look forward to celebrating the success demonstrated by family businesses operating within the region and good luck to all the finalists.”

As a judge for the Awards, Annette Ritson, Managing Director of Net* Development (who have been loyal supporters of the Awards since the beginning) expressed her team’s delight in supporting an event that aligns closely with their values and mission. “As a family-oriented company ourselves, we deeply appreciate the importance of family businesses in our society. Working on the Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards has been an inspiring experience, and we are thrilled to contribute to the celebration and recognition of these exceptional businesses”

The task of reviewing and shortlisting this year’s entries was a difficult one, with the judges looking for businesses that could demonstrate a strong business strategy and a commitment to providing a first-class service, as well as sound business processes, values, and demonstrating a sustainable future.

In total there were fifteen categories open for entry, including sector-specific categories, Employee of the Year and the People’s Choice Award where the winner is decided by a combination of public vote and judges scores.

The shortlisted finalists for the Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards 2023 are as follows:

The finalists will now receive a visit from the judging panel before the final decision is made, with the winners announced at a glittering ceremony on Friday 10th November at the Majestic Hotel, in Harrogate situated in the beautiful spa town of Harrogate, providing an elegant backdrop for an evening of celebration and recognition.