The categories are now open for the Garbutt + Elliott 2020 Yorkshire Food + Drink Business Awards, which celebrate Yorkshire’s strong food and drink sector and associated businesses.
In total there are 15 categories, five of which are new for 2020. They highlight the county’s growing position within the national and international marketplace, and play a significant role in recognising entrepreneurs and businesses from across Yorkshire who have been part of creating the county’s great food industry.
Tony Farmer, Partner at Garbutt + Elliott says: “With the regional food and drink sector continuing to grow, we are more committed than ever to being part of the movement positioning Yorkshire businesses at the front of the game. Alongside the awards themselves we are setting up a new and exciting food and drink business networking group to support the regional industry and to encourage the leading and rising pioneers of the sector.”
Yorkshire and the Humber employs the highest number of people in the UK food and drink industry – latest figures have this number at over 62,000. The region is home to some of the world’s best-known food companies as well as the UK’s highest concentration of small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. In fact, figures show we have more than 1,100 food and drink producers in the region with a combined turnover in excess of £8bn. Furthermore, this doesn’t account for associated businesses such as packaging, design, branding and distribution – all of which will find relevant categories to enter in their year’s awards.
Whist fiercely competitive, the regional food and drink sector is also, by nature, closely knit and supportive. The aim is to build new relationships to bring together large and small businesses to foster partnerships and share ideas.
Russell Turner, Managing Partner, Garbutt + Elliott says: “Our awards are now firmly fixed in the regional food industry’s calendar. What sets them apart is their accessibility. Small businesses can enter the same categories as those who have a position in the international marketplace and they have just as much a chance of winning. We’re proud to be celebrating 15 categories within the food and drink sector and have a diverse group of judges of exceptional calibre, who will be whittling down the shortlisted businesses.”
This year’s categories:
Yorkshire Food + Drink Ambassador
Judged by Catherine Scott of the Yorkshire Post, sponsored by Kyte Photogaphy
Business of the year below £500K turnover
Judged by Rob Whitehead, CEO Zubrance, sponsored by Xero
Business of the year over £500K turnover
Judged by Valerie Aston, Director Proudfoot Supermarkets, sponsored by Lake Financial Systems
Yorkshire Grit
Judged and sponsored by The Yorkshire Rows
Independent Retailer of the year (Including online)
Judged by Natalie Kelsey, Founder of The Curious Foodie, sponsored by Cedar Barn Farm Shop and Café
Producer of the year
Judged by a representative from FERA
Spirit of Yorkshire (Food + Drink Festival of the year)
Judged by Consultant Chef Stephanie Moon, sponsored by Your Local Link Magazine (yep, it’s us!)
Yorkshire Brand of the year
Judged by Rachel Goddard, Owner of The Yorkshire Mark , sponsored by Rollitts
Heart of Yorkshire – Charity of the year
Judged by team from Garbutt + Elliott
Young Business of the year
Judged by Nicola Whitehead, Founder of NJW Sales Support, Sponsored by York Press
Nourish Yorkshire
Judged by Tara Harris, Yorkshire Food Guide and Deliciously Yorkshire, sponsored by Deliciously Yorkshire
Quench Yorkshire
Judged by a representative from FERA, sponsored by Pick and Mix Marketing
Backbone of Business award
Judged by William Derby, CEO, York Racecourse, sponsored by York Racecourse
Innovation of the year
Judged by Matthew Kirk and Amanda Selvaratnam from PAPI, sponsored by PAPI
Overall business of the year
Judged by team from Garbutt + Elliott
Businesses can enter by visiting www.garbutt-elliott.co.uk/food-awards where they can also find out more about Garbutt + Elliott’s food + drink business network group. You can also email awards@garbutt-elliott.co.uk or call 01904 464100.
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