TWO York ventures are celebrating after winning prestigious awards.

Inclusion Housing was named Best Small Business at the inaugural British Small Business Awards 2016.

The Priory Street-based organisation stood out to the judges with highly impressive turnover figures and growth combined with strong sector knowledge, innovation and an unwavering support for society’s most vulnerable people.

Neil Brown, chief executive of Inclusion Housing, said he was surprised and delighted. “I am immensely proud of the difference we make, the services we provide and the strong partnerships that we forge.

“Most of all we have a talented, motivated and positive team here at Inclusion focused on delivering excellence, I am so pleased that their success has been recognised.”

Inclusion Housing is a community interest company which works across England in partnership with funders, carers and developers to provide specialised supported accommodation.

Seen as a cutting-edge and innovative health and social care landlord, it is well placed to identify a large number of commissioning authorities and support organisations requiring good quality social housing for vulnerable people.

With its strategic partners, Inclusion Housing has the benefit of long-term relationships with commissioners, as well as the necessary skills to develop supported living and other schemes.

It manages a substantial and growing national portfolio of social housing properties, with about 1,100 homes across England, and grants residential tenancies to vulnerable people who receive daily support from specialist support providers.

Niki Baker, chief executive of Vitesse Media, the parent company of SmallBusiness.co.uk, said: “Small businesses form the backbone of the UK economy, and these awards provide an excellent platform to showcase the very best of them.”

Dave Stallon, commercial director of the Federation of Small Businesses and judge at the awards, said small and growing businesses in Britain faced an increasing number of challenges so it was important to recognise those that had excelled. “I have been hugely impressed by the standard of entries this year – the businesses and inspiring people that run them should be very proud of how they have performed and I wish them every success in the future.’

The British Small Business Awards, in association with the Federation of Small Businesses, celebrates the nation’s leading sole traders, micro-businesses and small companies, and the service providers and advisers that help them start, run, grow and succeed.

Meanwhile a York husband-and-wife team has proved that hard work and creativity do pay off.

Simon Boyle and Andrea Schipper, who run No. 21 York, will certainly attest to that after claiming the Yorkshire Hidden Gem title at the eviivo Awards.

Organised by eviivo, a leading provider of booking management solutions, the annual ceremony celebrates the UK’s best and most distinctive B&Bs, guesthouses and independent small hotels.

The York pair and their team fought off fierce competition from four properties on their way to glory, after being shortlisted among more than 5,900 earlier in the process.

No. 21 York was deemed by judges as being “la crème de la crème” among properties located in Yorkshire, with its performance as well as the distinctive nature of the experience offered to guests receiving particular praise.

Mr Boyle said: “This is fantastic and we’re all so very happy to have been named the best property in Yorkshire, especially considering the level of our fellow finalists.

“Ultimately, it’s all about providing our guests with the best possible experience, and the whole team works very hard day in day out to make sure that happens. Yet, there’s no denying that being recognised by your peers is extremely satisfying.”

Ian Hardwick, market development director for eviivo, said: “Our awards are all about celebrating the unsung heroes of the hospitality sector.

“No. 21 York is a truly shining example of how dedication to customer satisfaction and a knack for originality can go a long way.

“The competition was ferocious in Yorkshire, but Simon and Andrea just had that little extra that makes all the difference. They’re very worthy winners and we sincerely congratulate them.”