AMAZING PEOPLE DON'T JUST HAPPEN
Who captured Yorkshire's heart?
2023 YORKSHIRE CHOICE AWARDS
Yorkshire, where talent, courage and bravery thrive
What an extraordinary evening it was!
The grandeur of our awards ceremony surpassed all previous ones, attracting 750 remarkable individuals from Yorkshire who inspire us all. The long-awaited day finally arrived, filling the air with anticipation. Yorkshire once again showcased its unrivaled abundance of talent, courage, and bravery, leaving no doubt about the greatness of this region.
So, who did Yorkshire choose as their 2023 winners?
THE AWARDS
Congratulations everyone. Being recognised as a nominee in The Yorkshire Choice Awards is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and the positive impact you have had on the community. Regardless of the outcome, each nominee represents the best of Yorkshire, and we commend you for your achievements and contributions.
We applaud your commitment to making a difference.
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IMPORTANT: Credit for these images, Robling Photography and Yorkshire Choice Awards
MARK THE OCCASION WITH OUR BESPOKE CERTIFICATES
Whether you have been nominated, recognised as a finalist, or emerged as one of Yorkshire's winners in any of our awards from 2016-2023, our digital certificates are meticulously customised to showcase your individual achievements, serving as a timeless testament to your success. Click here to order.
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
New Starter Business of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
The Little Biscuit Pottery Painting Studio, Morley
The Mum Collective, Harrogate
The Yorkshire Lime Company, Wakefield
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Yorkshire Spa Retreat, Nawton Near Helmsley
The Yorkshire Spa retreat in the sleepy village of Nawton on the edge of the North York moors is an ambitious project launched by local businessman Miles Dewhurst in October 2022. With exciting plans for the future, it is a luxury lodge park with onsite bar, restaurant and luxury spa experience. The whole concept was inspired by nature and the park’s beautiful and tranquil surroundings with facilities including a hydro pool, high end sauna and steam room, along with a natural swim pond which is a designed to allow guests to experience the healing benefits of wild water swimming.
Independent Business of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
Daydream Baby, Hull
Jacqueline & Edward, Wetherby
Little Bird Made, Ripon
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Sam Teal Productions
At just 20 years old Sam is the owner and driving force behind STP Ltd, a video production company that opened in June 2020. The company creates modern, emotional and engaging videos for a range of clients and now operates on a global scale. In December 2022 STP launched their own Christmas advert to rival the big brands which amassed an incredible 25 million views in the first 7 days and received worldwide attention. Coupled with his drive, tenacity and imagination, Sam has one simple ethos behind his brand and that is to create magic.
Business Woman of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
Alicia Stabler, York
Kate Ball, Leeds
Rachael Higgins, Skipton
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Valentina Hynes, Harrogate
Valentina is an inspiring and passionate individual who moved to the UK in 2017 and then battled with the Home Office to stay, along with her husband and young son. Having won her case after an online petition which amassed 100 thousand signatures she had her second child and launched her business YOLO Dance, a mummy and baby dance class, just six months later. Since then she has launched another business SVH Inc providing well-being and happiness at work which during the pandemic pivoted to an online virtual offering. A grant from the National Lottery means she also provides Mental Health First Aid training to service providers including hairdressers bar tenders beauticians and baristas, among others.
Business Man of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
Harrison Pinder, Wetherby
Mark Richardson, Halifax
Sam Teale, Cleackheaton
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Bob Partridge, Harrogate
Bob Partridge qualified as a vet in 1984 having served in the British Army with the Royal Engineers. He is a founder member of the British Veterinary Dental Association and created Yorkshire’s first veterinary hospital as his Harrogate practice grew in 1992. In 2016 Bob sold the highly successful hospital allowing him time to concentrate purely on animal dentistry with such success and innovation that he became one of only seven vets in the country to be recognised as a European accredited specialist. He invented Pet Smile month which led to 1500 practices offering free dental checkups, served as President of the Veterinary Hospitals association and still finds time to run marathons and more to raise money for charity as well as train the next generation of animal dentists.
Charitable Business of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
Leeds Cookery School, Leeds
My Renewable Energy, Barnsley
Verity Frearson Estate Agents, Harrogate
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Redrow Homes, Wakefield
Redrow Homes are keen supporters of the Martin House Children’s Hospice and have raised an incredible £167 thousand pounds to support youngsters with a life-limiting illness. Along with their pledge to make a donation for every private house they sell, Redrow staff have also rowed across Roundhay Park in a Dragon boat, climbed the Three Peaks and also sold unwanted stock to benefit the charity as well as donating incredible experience days including a trip to Ascot races. They also give staff leave to support not just families being cared for at Martin House but also arrange and deliver goods to the charity’s retail stores.
Customer Service Award 2023
FINALISTS
CCTVdirect, Leeds
Lilys Treasure Gift Boutique, Scarborough
Plus Health Company Halifax
SPONSORED BY
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AND THE WINNER IS...
Fazenda, Leeds
Fazenda is a gaucho-style South American restaurant in a waterfront setting in Granary Wharf in Leeds which prides itself on serving high-quality ingredients in a continuous tableside service although by its very nature is meat based they also cater to vegans and vegetarians alike and also offers a well-labeled market table taking all food allergies into account. Their food and excellent service achieve incredible feedback on TripAdvisor, Facebook and google repeatedly scoring some of the highest scores in the city.
Inspirational Individual of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
Andy Horner, Huddersfield
Claire Throssell MBE, Barnsley
Emon Choudry, Bradford
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Susan Mountain, Robertown
Six years ago Susan’s daughter Maci was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, at the age of 13. After she passed away Susan formed Team Maci in her daughter’s memory aimed at helping the charities which supported them including Candlelighters, the Forget Me Not Trust, the Little Princess Trust and Ward 52 at Leeds Children’s Hospital, not just financially but also supplying home comfort packs and Christmas presents to those in their care. At the most terrible time in her life, Susan and her supporters have raised an incredible £100,000 for the Forget Me Not children’s hospice. A true legacy for Maci.
Local Fundraiser of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
Homeless Street Angels, Leeds
Joyce Richardson, Thirsk
Tariq Qadeer, Leeds
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Ian Flatt, Green Hammerton
Ian was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019: Since then he has been determined to raise funds and awareness for those living with this incurable disease. With the love and support of his wife Rachael and their two daughters and despite being wheelchair bound, Ian has completed two one-hundred-mile treks, scaled Snowdon in his off-road wheelchair and is planning even more fundraising challenges for this year. He has raised more than £22,000 for the MND Association and the Leeds Hospital charity appeal to build the Rob Burrow MND Centre to give people with MND and their families the best possible support, all while remaining a beacon of inspiration and infectious positivity.
Young Achiever of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
Ella Harrison, Rotherham
Harper Harding, Leeds
Violet Lawson Chhokar, York
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Ada Butterfield, Castleford
Ada was born with a rare liver disease which means one day she will need a transplant. But she doesn’t let that stop her. She has fundraised tirelessly for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation and with the help of her parents has inspired lots of youngsters to get involved and raised more than £85,000 for the charity. They have tackled many different challenges from running, walking, and hosting a fun day always with the aim of raising awareness of childhood liver disease and helping families affected. Although she has raised a huge amount of money she is determined to keep going.
Volunteer of the Year 2023
FINALISTS
Jean Boyes, Harrogate
Lesley Noble, Oxley
Stacy Proctor, Leeds
SPONSORED BY
AND THE WINNER IS...
Saliha Sadiq, Bradford
Saliha has been making a positive difference to people from South Asian and other communities both in Bradford and further afield. During the pandemic, she decided to tackle misinformation, isolation even abuse for elderly members of the community so she set up and continues free counselling sessions to combat the fear. Her video advising people to take up the Covid Vaccine went viral and around the world. Despite her busy role working for the NHS and Bradford University her understanding of taboos and ability to speak four languages has led her to expand the service at the Milan Centre to include boys, under 18s, pregnant women and young mums.
Community Arts Award 2023
FINALISTS
Chloe Williams, Huddersfield
Martha Godber, Hull
The Urbane Commune, Wakefield
SPONSORED BY
WINNER
Eleanor Tomlinson, East Riding
Eleanor is an award-winning globally renowned artist and illustrator who is based at South Cave in East Yorkshire. She works on a wide range of private and commercial commissions both large and small including Lottie Shaws, Harper Collins and Ravensburger to name a few. She finds inspiration in the Yorkshire countryside and the wildlife she is surrounded by and is known for creating a piece of art for Queen Elizabeth 11 for Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee known as marmalade tea.
Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution 2023
FINALISTS
Helen Smith, Garforth
Peter Giannoudis, Leeds
Tracy Foster, Pontefract
SPONSORED BY HEADLINE SPONSOR
WINNER
Mike Bates, Leeds
Former marine commando and counter-terrorism specialist Mike has dedicated three years of his life to training for a challenge most of us couldn’t contemplate. After 46 days 6 hours and ten minutes alone at sea, he completed the Talisker Atlantic Challenge rowing three thousand miles across the Atlantic, facing tough conditions to become the first solo rower to reach Antigua. He has raised £175,000 for Leeds Hospital Charity, some of the funds going to help poorly children at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Leeds Children’s Hospital which cared for his young son Gabe after he contracted meningitis.
Special Recognition Award 2023
AND THE WINNER IS...
Lindsey Burrow
Lindsey Burrow, the wife of Rob Burrow, is an extraordinary individual whose unwavering love and dedication to her husband serve as a testament to her courage. Their lives have been profoundly impacted by the challenges brought forth by Motor Neurone Disease (MND), affecting not only Rob but their entire family. In the heartfelt words of Kevin Sinfield, Lindsey's remarkable qualities shine through.
Her courage and bravery in standing steadfastly by Rob's side, while simultaneously raising their three children, managing a full-time job, and embarking on fundraising challenges, are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Lindsey is an incredible woman whose presence provides immense strength to Rob during these trying times.
We are certain that you will wholeheartedly agree that Lindsey is exceptionally deserving of this award, serving as a tremendous role model for countless families.
OH WHAT A NIGHT!
We've been tagged in some truly fabulous images on our social media platforms, and we couldn't resist sharing them with you! Take a scroll through some incredible moments from your unforgettable night of celebrations.
