The best and most-loved businesses in the Knaresborough area were celebrated at an annual awards event over the weekend.
Held on Saturday (16th August), Knaresborough Business Collective’s annual Business Awards returned to Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre to celebrate the best of the best in Knaresborough.
The event, attended by business owners, staff and supporters, welcomed guests for drinks, food and entertainment before the winners were announced across more than a dozen categories.
Freedom Performing Arts were named 'Business of the Year', whilst So Bar and Eats Knaresborough was crowned 'Favourite Place to Eat.'
A spokesperson for Freedom Performing Arts said:
"Huge thank you to everyone that voted… honestly it means the world.
"We have had the biggest year ever and this has just topped off our 15th year in business!
"Thank you to everyone that has been a part of our crazy year, students, parents, local businesses, sponsors, our incredible teachers and my amazing supportive family!"
The Knaresborough Business Awards, organised by Knaresborough Business Collective, first started in 2022.

A spokesperson for Knaresborough Business Collective said:
"What a night celebrating all that Knaresborough is, bringing the whole business community together.
"So many happy faces all championing one another, so much fun, laughter, tears, drinking, dancing, love and colour all in one place. We even got a standing ovation!
"Some of the most shocked winners reactions we have ever seen and a night we will remember forever."
Here is a full list of this year's winners:
- Favourite female led business - Stomp
(Highly Commended - Sheer Bliss Lingerie - Knaresborough) - Favourite male led business - Andy watts Milkman
(Highly Commended - Wild Style Tattoo) - Favourite family run business - Two Brothers Takeaway
(Highly Commended - Blind Jack's) - Favourite healthcare business - Castle Clinic
(Highly Commended - Natural Choice Knaresborough) - Favourite hairdressers/barbers - Divine Hairdressing
(Highly Commended - Tommy's Barber Shop) - Favourite beauty clinic - Boujee
(Highly Commended - Swish Beauty) - Favourite retailer - Twig&Ink
(Highly Commended - Stomp) - Contribution to community award - Henshaws
(Highly Commended - Studio 3 Dance Workshop) - Favourite Professional service provider - Greenwoods Solicitors
(Highly Commended - Newby James) - Favourite attraction - Mother Shipton's Cave
(Highly Commended - Kingfisher Kiosk at Conyngham) - Favourite coffee shop - Number Thirteen
(Highly Commended - Cafe Di Lucca) - Favourite business team - The Farm Dairy
(Highly Commended - Freedom Performing Arts) - Favourite place to eat - So Bar and Eats Knaresborough
(Highly Commended - Carriages in Knaresborough) - Favourite place to drink - SIX POOR FOLK
(Highly Commended - Blind Jack’s) - Favourite tradesman - Knaresborough Window Cleaners
(Highly Commended - Brian King) - Favourite class/workshop - Painting Pots Knaresborough
(Highly Commended - Freedom Performing Arts) - Favourite new business - WildIvy Florist
(Highly Commended - Sally Plain) - Best customer service - Carol's Bonnie Dogs
(Highly Commended Chiropody by Louise) - Favourite shop front/window displays - Blind Jack’s
(Highly Commended - Claire Baxter Artist and Gallery) - Knaresborough Business of the Year - Freedom Performing Arts
(Highly Commended - The Farm Dairy) - Best Dressed female - Camilla Greenwood
- Best Dressed male - Adam Kemp

Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels


