NOMINATIONS have opened for Ryedale’s first business awards event to recognise and celebrate great ventures in the North Yorkshire district.

The winners will be announced over a celebratory breakfast served to the nominees and their guests at the White Swan, Ampleforth, on January 24, 2017.

Anna Lupton, owner of the award-winning Carr House Farm B&B near Ampleforth and a driving force behind the awards, said: “I am delighted that two years after coming up with the idea of the Ryedale Business Awards, we will see the first set of winners announced in January 2017, with the backing of a range of local partners.

“We have so many businesses in Ryedale to be proud of, some of which go under the radar. This is an opportunity to get your favourite business recognised. It could be the largest business in Ryedale or the smallest thriving entrepreneurial one and I urge everyone to make a nomination’’.

Visit ryebas.co.uk for the nomination form and further information about the eight different categories available for awards.

The leader of Ryedale District Council, Cllr Linda Cowling, said: ‘’I am very pleased that Anna instigated these awards and Ryedale District Council is delighted to be closely involved.

“The diversity of our businesses in Ryedale is fantastic and continues to grow.”