Teesdale Business Awards – Sporting Force's success at the double

A DOUBLE triumph for an ex-forces charity took the eye at Teesdale Business Awards.
Sporting Force picked up both the Best Social Enterprise Award and the Employer of the Year trophy just two years on from its formation.
Butterknowle’s Tommy Lowther started up the charity in 2015 and has helped dozens of ex-service personnel adjust to civilian life.
The former serviceman was over the moon with the double win.
He said: “It’s unbelievable – I wasn’t expecting to get two.
“I could not do it without my team and I’d like to say a massive thank you to Help For Heroes who have funded us for two years.
“It’s allowed Cherylanne and Jacqui to come on board.”
A thrilled Jonathan and Allison Raper, from Rokeby, picked up the Best New Business prize for their work at Teesdale Cheesemakers.
Mrs Raper said: “I was so shocked – it’s fantastic. We have only been in business for a year and we use (the services) both the other competitors.
“I was so pleased just to get into the final three I thought it was not going to happen at all. We were sitting there waiting to hear one of the others had won – that’s why I lost it a little bit.”
The pair took over Leaside Cheeses in late 2015 before claiming gold, silver and bronze at the Great Yorkshire show last year.
“It means the world to us – we have worked so hard this year,” said Mrs Raper.
“The keynote speaker had it in a nutshell – it’s not just one person it’s a whole bunch of people – it’s just been a bit of a crazy first year.”
Newcomer Nicky Morse scooped Most Innovative Business for Eating and Living – a mobile therapy service for those in the dale with long term illnesses.
She added: “It’s just really great and humbling to be chosen – I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
Other nominees on the night included: Laura Willis, of No.15 Coffee House and Deli, Matthew Charlton, from Durham County Council, Claire Stoddart, Phillip Dawson, Lonton Coffee Company Ltd, Teesdale Alpacas, 1st Staindrop Scouts, Teesdale YMCA, Barnard Castle Farmers Market Ltd, Gaunless Valley Creatives CIC, 999 Fire and Safety, Sandringham Financial Partners, Spectrum Prints, CA Group Ltd, Teesdale Dress Agency CIC, The Carrosserie Company (UK) Ltd, Francis Bookkeeping Solutions Ltd, Poppy's Children’s Boutique, 4 Paws Farm, Cafe Fresh (Teesdale) Ltd, 999 Fire and Safety, Teesdale Community Resources, The Hub.