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

Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary
Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university
First look at Ripon Workhouse Museum after £2.8million refurb


