A PREVIOUS Small Business of the Year award winner is back to reclaim its title in this year's awards.

Ice cream manufacturer Yorvale last won the award in 2013, and is now vying for another win after a year of growth at its Acaster Malbis based dairy.

The business, which started out with a single ice cream van in 1989, has seen turnover increase by 64 per cent over the last four years, with Yorvale now working towards further growth targets by doubling capacity in its factory, as well as building a new cold store and yoghurt facility, while extending its distributor base and collaborating with local and national partners to reach a growing consumer fan base.

Yorvale supplies local attractions, farm shops, delis and independent retailers and is enjoying regional listings with Waitrose, Tesco and Morrisons. The business also reaches a loyal base of hotel and catering customers through a network of nationwide food service distributors and supplies Saga Cruise Ships and key Yorkshire tourist attractions including Eden Camp and Bolton Abbey.

Owner Lesley Buxton, who runs the business with her husband Ian, said: "We help to support the rural economy by employing only local people who we take on based on a passion for food and a willingness to learn.

"We train all of our staff with a combination of in house training and a local agricultural college and encourage them to acquire skills that will help them to develop themselves and benefit Yorvale. We also offer permanent 40 hour contracts to all members of staff.

"Yorvale is an example of a thriving farm based business where we are as passionate about what we do now as we were 26 years ago when we founded our dream business."

Yorvale's ice cream is made from creamy milk produced by the business's own her, which has tripled in size in recent years, resulting in the recruitment of a full time herdsman.