Richmond’s vibrant business community was celebrated last week at The Station Café|Bar during the annual Richmond Business Awards. The event, organised by the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association (ORBTA) in collaboration with The Company of Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers of Richmond (Yorkshire) and North Yorkshire Council, brought together business owners, employees, volunteers, and local dignitaries to honour outstanding contributions to the town and the wider North Yorkshire visitor economy.
Key takeaways
- A record number of entries made judging particularly challenging this year.
- Awards spanned a diverse range of categories, from environmental initiatives to customer service and innovation.
- Several businesses and individuals received multiple commendations, highlighting their significant impact.
Environmental Award
Nourished took home the Environmental Award, sponsored by The Company of Fellmongers. Goosewing Studios and St Michael’s Lodge were highly commended in this category.
Best New Business Award
Browns of Richmond Ltd was recognised with the Best New Business Award, sponsored by Zetland Estates. Rejuvenate Lifestyle and Wellbeing and The Easby-Loop Café received high commendations.
Best Customer Focus Award
The Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance was celebrated for its exceptional customer focus, earning the award sponsored by Yorsafety. Just Wheels Ltd and Market Place Travel were highly commended.
Best Dog Friendly Establishment Award
The Fleece Hotel was awarded Best Dog Friendly Establishment, sponsored by Yorsafety. Granny’s Kitchen, Mocha, and St Michael’s Lodge were highly commended.
Best Sole Trader Award
This year saw two winners for the Best Sole Trader Award, sponsored by Purple Creative Studio: A S Joinery and The Easby-Loop Café. MaidInTheDales – Domestic Cleaning Services and Miss Merritt English Online were highly commended.
Best Marketing Award
The Station Cinema received the Best Marketing Award, sponsored by Richmond Information Centre. J&H Meynells and Trouvere were highly commended.
Window on the World Award
The Little Dress Shop was the recipient of the Window on the World Award, sponsored by North Yorkshire Council. BbinFinkle Interiors and Dot’s Place were highly commended.
Accessibility Award
The Station – Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust won the Accessibility Award, sponsored by Home Instead. St Michael’s Lodge and The Station Cinema were highly commended.
Outstanding Employee Award
Mary Horncastle of The Station Café|Bar was honoured with the Outstanding Employee Award, sponsored by Richmond Rotary Club. Sally Anderson of The Station Café|Bar and Debbie Redfern of Roots and Shoots Florist were highly commended.
The Dennis Graves Award for Young Person of the Year
Freya Ball of Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance was presented with The Dennis Graves Award for Young Person of the Year, sponsored by Mocha. Ruben Anderson of The Station Café|Bar and Nic Perks of The Easby-Loop Café were highly commended.
Business to Business Award
Richmond Print secured the Business to Business Award, sponsored by Market Place Travel. Eyecatching Signs and Yvonne Finn Graphic Design were highly commended.
Best Innovation Award
St Michael’s Lodge was recognised with the Best Innovation Award, sponsored by The Herriot Country Tourism Group. Low Impact Forestry Limited and The Green Howards Museum were highly commended.
Best Employer Award
Market Place Travel and RBPT Enterprises (The Station Café|Bar and The Sweet Stop) were joint winners of the Best Employer Award, sponsored by Richmond Yorkshire CIC. Cooper & Leatherbarrow were highly commended.
Star Awards
Ruben Anderson, Sally Anderson (both of The Station Café|Bar), and Debbie Redfern (Roots and Shoots Florist) were all recognised with Star Awards.
Tourism Awards
The Fleece Hotel won the Tourism Award for Hospitality and Retail, sponsored by Visit North Yorkshire. Kiplin Hall and Gardens took home the Tourism Award for Visitor Attractions, Leisure Venues, Festivals and Events, also sponsored by Visit North Yorkshire.
Special Recognition Awards
Nic Perks of The Easby-Loop Café received The David Doorbar Award for Excellence. The Community Campaigner Award went to Save Our Swale. Arthur Caygill and John Meynell were honoured with The Richmond Service Award. The Georgian Theatre Royal received The Jewel in the Crown Award. Donald Cline was presented with The Spirit of the Community Award. Mike Sheehan of Altberg Bootmakers received The Richmond Beacon Award.
The organisers extended their gratitude to all participants for making the 2026 Richmond Business Awards a resounding success.
Sources
- Winners of Richmond Business Awards announced, Richmondshire Today.
