SHORTLIST: Sister Agatha, Superior of the Bar Convent, York, which has been shortlisted for a national business award
Nuns running a Catholic convent in York are through to the finals of a national business competition.
The Bar Convent Trust, Blossom Street, is one of 35 finalists in the Daily Telegraph/Energis Customer Service Awards.
The Sisters from the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary offer a conference centre, bed and breakfast accommodation, a caf and a shop at the convent, the home of the order since 1686.
The trust, which also houses a museum, is the oldest Catholic convent in Britain.
The Sisters entered the world of commerce three years ago with the appointment of a business manager, Richard Masefield, to generate income for the Grade I listed Georgian town house. Turnover has jumped from £30,000 to £200,000 in that period.
Mr Masefield said: "We are absolutely delighted to win through to the final of this competition. The business has done tremendously well and we are proud to be representing the beautiful city of York in this final."
The winners of the competition will be announced on September 22.
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