NOMINATIONS have opened for Ryedale’s second business awards to recognise and celebrate great ventures in the district.

The winners will be announced over a celebratory breakfast served to the nominees and their guests at the White Swan, Ampleforth, on January 30, 2018.

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 after coming up with the idea of the Ryedale Business Awards and the support it received for 2017 we will again by holding the event. 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.”

More than 130 nominations were received for last year’s awards representing all sectors and areas of Ryedale have been represented.

This year there area eight categories include Young Entrepreneur, Learning & Development Community Contribution, Rural Diversification, Long Standing Business (10+ years), Best Dressed Shop Window, Food & Drink Hero and Ryedale Champion.

Sponsors include the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, Horsetownbeers, Fergus Court Funeral Services, Studford Luxury Lodges, CuckavaldaGundogs, RV Rogers, In-Print Colour, and Alex Yoxall.

All finalists will receive a free ticket to the awards ceremony. Additional tickets can be purchased at a cost of £20 phone 01347 868526. This year’s the event will be supporting is the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Emma Smailes, from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The awards are a great way of celebrating businesses in Ryedale and the invaluable contribution they make to our communities and economy.”

The closing date for nominations is Friday, December 1 and businesses must be located within the Ryedale district.

For more information and to enter go to www.ryebas.co.uk