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2017 Winners

Raising Money for
The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund

As many as 500,000 people are living with a heart genetic defect. Singer Lizzie Jones is spearheading a new campaign, The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund in honor of her late husband to raise funds for equipment that could prove the difference between life and death at Rugby League, sports clubs, schools and more across the UK.

Congratulations

Congratulations to everyone nominated in 2017, you should all be extremely proud of yourselves. 

Mark the Occasion with our Bespoke Certificates

Whether you have been nominated, recognised as a finalist, or emerged as one of Yorkshire's winners in our 2017 celebrations, our digital certificates are customised to showcase your individual achievements, serving as a timeless testament to your success. Click here to order.

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And the winners are...

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2017

Bramham Pooch Patrol

Bryony has built up a wonderfully successful business, completely from scratch. She is professional whilst not losing the common touch. We all think she does a great job of keeping her customers happy and thinking of new and unusual ways to do this. She is innovative and creative - this can be seen in her business model and how she runs her business.

Finalists

Baby Bright Sparks

Sniper Fitness Bootcamps

Trades Hub

Sponsored by

The Ridings, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2017

Janine Burley, My Baby Can Dance

Janine used her many years of dance teaching experience coupled with her parenting skills of 4 young daughters to create a programme of learning through fun and activity with My Baby Can Dance. Janine is a fabulously ambitious individual, however never at the expense of others. A caring and conscientious leader, always on hand to support her staff, and Franchise holders alike.

Finalists

Carole Taylor, Equine Pathways UK

Ellie MacDonald, Maccomms (Yorkshire)

Lindsey McEnroe, True You Skin Clinics

Sponsored by

Deep Blue, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

BUSINESS MAN OF THE YEAR 2017

Jason Richards, Yorkshire Trike Tours

Jason set up Yorkshire Trike Tours with his wife Judith in 2013 after selling Jason's successful IT business. He was in his 50 and wanted a new adventure. He wanted to combine their love of riding trikes with his passion for the Dales. Since then they have created over 30 different tours across the Yorkshire Dales, including a Le Tour legacy and Calendar Girls Revival Tour.

Finalists

Craig Wilkinson, Trades Hub

Daniel Lee Mottram, White Star Security

Tony Watson, First Direct Arena

Sponsored by

CCTVdirect, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

CHARITABLE BUSINESS AWARD 2017

The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund

The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund has proven to make the difference between life and death. Launched from heartache in 2015 after losing her husband Danny, who suffered a cardiac arrest when playing rugby. Defibrillators cost £1,000 and the charity helps clubs throughout Yorkshire.

Finalists

Bash, Brighouse

PDSA, Leeds

The Snowdrop Project, Sheffield

Sponsored by

Mount Pleasant Kennels, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD 2017

Solberg Hall, Northallerton

Weddings are a crucial part of why Solberge Hall’s employees go above and beyond, but it is not the only string to its bow. Its regular business, as a hotel, exemplifies this. After staying at Solberge Hall, guests are asked to fill out an independent survey run by JudgeServ and 88.3% say they had a positive experience.

Finalists

Lace & Co, Wakefield

Prego, Brighouse

VJW Holistic Therapies, Huddersfield

Sponsored by

Renton & Parr, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

YORKSHIRE MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2017

Duncan Wood

Duncan Wood started his career as a reporter for a local evening paper straight from school before writing for the nationals then moved into broadcasting in the late eighties. After seven successful years as North Of England Correspondent and part-time presenter for GMTV he joined the Calendar news team in May 2003. Duncan says he loves working at Calendar because it is like an extended family. Everyone looks after each other and wants to make the best possible programme for the viewers. 

Finalists

John Kenealy, Wakefield Express

Lizzie Jones, The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund

Mark O'Brien, Made in Leeds TV

Sponsored by

Golden Frog, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

INSPIRATIONAL INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR 2017

Steven Robinson

Steve came from quite a deprived background, which for many people would have limited their life chances, and then to compound this he lost his right arm in a motocross accident at the age of 18.  His could have been a life story with a very unfortunate ending, however, he has turned out to be the most amazing and inspirational person I know. A story of great accomplishment, Steven has set out to conquer his fears in the most astounding ways. Once afraid of horses he is now a dressage competitor and where he was once afraid of flying he is now a qualified private pilot, who was awarded “The Douglas Bader Memorial Trophy” 2015.

Finalists

Dr Kate Granger, Leeds

Lizzie Jones, Halifax

Luke Ambler, Halifax

Sponsored by

Franks Accountants, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

LOCAL FUNSRAISER OF THE YEAR 2017

Eden Dora Trust, Sheffield

Petrina's daughter Eden was left with ABI following Encephalitis in March 2011. Encephalitis and ABI affects every sufferer differently and is often a silent condition as there may be no obvious physical signs. If an adult has an ABI they are offered rehabilitation, however, for most children their rehabilitation is school…unfortunately, most schools and teaching staff, although usually willing, are not equipped with knowledge of the condition and how to support the complexities of an ABI. Life has changed for Petrina and her family so much through this awful illness and it would be so lovely to give her a hand and help her cause.

Finalists

Dr Kate Granger, Leeds

Emma & Phil McDonald, Ossett

Julie & Eric Sykes, Wakefield

Sponsored by

YPO, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR 2017

The Brownlee Brothers

Two ordinary men from Yorkshire trying to conquer the world of Triathlon. The Brownlee brothers made history by winning the gold and silver medals in the triathlon at the Rio Olympics. Alistair crossed the finish line first to win gold, just ahead of his brother Jonny who took the silver medal in Rio. Four years ago in London, the brothers became the first British siblings to stand on the podium for the same event at the summer Olympics. Elder brother Alistair won the gold and Jonathan crossed the line third to win bronze in the triathlon event at London 2012. 

Finalists

Hannah Cockcroft, Halifax

Femmes Fatales, Leeds

Ryan Sidebottom, Wetherby

Sponsored by

Wetherby Whaler, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

YOUNG SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR 2017

Finlay Smith, Horsforth

Finlay has traveled the length and breadth of England fighting in Thai boxing, collecting titles as he goes. He fought successfully in Thailand and recently fought in Italy winning world championships at his age and weight. A relentless desire to improve and achieve sets Finlay above others of his age, sacrificing his time to train more 3-4 times a week. His is a role model in his school and in his gym at a tender age of 12.

Finalists

Kippax Welfare Under 14s Junior Rugby League

Lewis Eccles, Doncaster

William Wainwright, Leeds

Sponsored by

Touch Tuina, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2017

Connor Lynes, Hull

Connor Lynes is an amazing young man.  He has had a battle all his life, he lost his dad when he was 1 year old and then lived with his Aunt at the age of 4 when his mum couldn’t cope.  At the age of 8, he was hit by a car.  Recovery from that took a long time and a lot of physio but eventually, he managed to get back to playing the game of rugby league, which was the game he loved.  At the age of 14 playing his beloved game, he suffered an injury which led him to have a number of strokes and still lives with a blood clot in his brain. Unlike most people though, Connor does not let this beat him and he is now dedicated to raising awareness of brain injury and strokes in younger people.

Finalists

Alex Roberts, Leeds

Amber Buckle, Leeds

Amelia Flannagan, Leeds

Sponsored by

Taylored Dental Care, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

KATE GRANGER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD 2017

Julie & Eric Sykes. The Samantha Sykes Foundation Trust

After the murder of their daughter Samantha in 2012, Julie and Eric made a promised that they will bring together their communities, to support like-minded people, who believe, as they do, that ALL children deserve an equal chance in life, no matter what their circumstances. With the help of not-for-profit organisations, educational establishments, and the local community, they aim to support these young people through education, mentoring and pastoral care. They aim to inspire these children, to believe in their own self-worth and achieve their full potential in spite of their challenging circumstances.

Finalists

Hannah Cockcroft, Halifax

Jimmy Gittins, State of Mind Charity

The Brownlee Brothers, Leeds

Sponsored by

Asda, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD 2017

Chris Pointon #HelloMyNameIs

Since the loss of his beloved wife, Kate Granger (less than a year ago) Chris has carried on her #hellomynameis campaign organising events in her memory, fundraising thousands of pounds taking the campaign to £300,000. He attends charity events, conferences globally giving keynote presentations and handing out awards, like this evenings award The Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution, in Kate's name. ​There is a constant reminder, every minute of the day of the loss of his wife but he’s continues to make a difference to others. Chris finds comfort in campaigning and is humbled by the support he receives.

Sponsored by

NatWest, sponsors of The Yorkshire Chocie Awards 2017
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