Old and new battle for Teesdale Business Awards glory

THE organisations shortlisted in the 12 categories of the Teesdale Business Awards 2016 have been unveiled.
Companies which have tasted previous success in the annual awards, such as Middleton-in-Teesdale-based Cafe Fresh and Evenwood CA Group, are joined by newcomers including fish and chip shop operator Katie Barker and Neat Acoustics.
The awards aim to recognise Teesdale businesses and social enterprises who have been successful in their own field during the past 12 months.
Peter Dixon, one of the awards organisers, said: “The aim of the awards is to celebrate achievements over the last year within Teesdale businesses and community groups.
“With more than 200 nominations our judging panels, which were each led by the sponsor for the award category, all had a difficult job on their hands.
“As we received feedback from each judging panel, we were consistently told that the standard of entries was very high this year.”
He added: “It clearly demonstrated to us that there is an exceptional range of high quality business endeavour taking place within Teesdale.”
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony, which takes place on Wednesday, February 15, at The Witham, in Barnard Castle.
Business advisor John Atkinson and Staindrop-based businesswoman Emma Hignett will host the evening.
Tickets for the award ceremony are on sale now for £12.
Ticket information and more details about the awards is available at www.teesdale businessawards.co.uk/
The awards shortlist is:
Best Business, sponsored by Thermal Compliance Ltd: 999 Fire and Safety; S & A Fabrications Ltd; Teesdale Community Resources (The Hub).
Best New Business, sponsored by Addison & Co: 4 Paws Farm; Café Fresh (Teesdale) Ltd; Teesdale Cheesemakers.
Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Durham: Café Fresh; Francis Bookkeeping Solutions Ltd; Poppy’s Children’s Boutique.
Most Innovative Business, sponsored by Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm: Eating and Living; Spectrum Prints; Teesdale Alpacas.
Best Business Trading Outside Teesdale, sponsored by CA Group Ltd: Lonton Coffee Company; Neat Acoustics Ltd; The Carrosserie Company (UK) Ltd.
Best Social Enterprise, sponsored by Café Fresh Group: Barnard Castle Farmers Market Ltd; Gaunless Valley Community Group; Sporting Force.
Best Community Engagement Project, sponsored by S & A Fabrications Ltd: 1st Staindrop Scouts; Barnard Castle Cricket Club; Teesdale YMCA.
Environmental Achievement, sponsored by The Greenfields: Cross Lanes Organic Farm; Lonton Coffee Company; Teesdale Alpacas.
Best Customer Focus, sponsored by Teesdale Renewables Ltd: 999 Fire & Safety; Reboot Repairs and Design; Sandringham Financial Partners.
Employer of the Year, sponsored by Spice Island Restaurant: CA Group Ltd; Sporting Force; The Dress Agency TDACIC.
Young Entrepreneur, sponsored by Durham County Council: Claire Stoddart, hairdresser; Katie Barker, Katie’s Fish and Chips; Phillip Dawson, Café Fresh.
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by GSK: Gus Rowell, Anthony Nixon Furniture Ltd; Laura Willis, Café 15; Matthew Charlton, Teesdale Sports Centre.