Winner: M&K Butchers

Finalists: Riccall Care, Middletons Hotel & Restaurant

A POPULAR York butchers which dates back more than 40 years and is operated by the children and grandchildren of the shop’s founding couple has been named Family Business of the Year.

Founded by Phillip and Linda Kneafsey in Bishopthorpe Road in 1970, M&K Butchers now employs three generations of the Kneafsey family, along with a team of 17 staff.

With 2014 described by the judges as the most competitive year yet for the Family Business of the Year category, M&K Butchers was praised as one of York’s finest examples of a true family business.

The judges praised the business for already successfully passing through one generational transition, with it currently being run by brothers Simon and Matthew, with their parents still working in the business, as do Simon’s children.

Collecting their award, Simon and Matthew said they were not only brothers, but also best friends, and dedicated the award to their parents who founded the business.

M&K Butchers was praised for being at the heart of a great community in Bishopthorpe Road and they are renowned for their massive but good humoured Christmas Eve queuing, where customers can enjoy a festive tipple and a mince pie.

The judges said it was clear that the business was proud to promote its family values and aims to ensure there was always one member of the family working in the shop behind the counter dealing with customers.