Harrogate business Glawning Ltd has been named microbusiness of the year at the Federation of Small Businesses awards.
Glawning, which sells awnings and accessories for campervans, was set up in 2013 by husband and wife James and Sarah Martin.
Since then, the company has flourished, and last year turned over more than £500,000.
The annual awards, which celebrate the best of small business and entrepreneurship, attracted more than 3,000 entries from the UK.
Glawning won the Yorkshire award before defeating 12 other regional finalists at yesterday’s event in Glasgow, which was hosted by TV presenters Clare Balding and JJ Chalmers.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also there to address the nominees.
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Ms Martin said:
“We set up our business after identifying a gap in the market and this award is very much a testament to all the work we have put into creating and launching a product that we ourselves need and use.”
The company now plans to launch in Europe and the USA this year.
Martin McTague, FSB national chair said:
“This is an example of a small business that recognised an opening for a new product and worked hard to create something that has been a success amongst the campervan community.
“I wish them success as they continue to innovate and create new products and take on the international markets.”
Stump Cross Caverns camper van winner named
The draw to win a VW Campervan worth £47,000 has been made to culminate the successful campaign to save Stump Cross Caverns.
The Stray Ferret broke the news last month that Lisa Bowerman and Nicholas Markham, who own the limestone caves near Pateley Bridge, were raffling their van to raise money to keep the place open.
Tickets for the raffle cost £10.
They set an original crowdfunding target of £50,000 but generated £72,500 in 40 days.
The extra money will enable the site’s 3D virtual tour to be upgraded, which the couple hope will be popular with schools.
A person called Chris Riley won the camper van star prize in tonight’s draw. It is not yet known where the winner is from.
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Ms Bowerman said she had been overwhelmed by support. She said:
“Without you we couldn’t have been able to reopen the doors to the 60,000 visitors we get.”
Stump Cross Caverns has been open to visitors since 1863.
But its failure to secure a covid grant from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund threatened its future.
However, the Save the Caves campaign means it now hopes to reopen in May.