Yorkshire’s best local businesses revealed in My Local Awards winners list

Voted for by customers, patients, parents and communities, the winners reflect not only professional excellence but loyalty, resilience and deep local roots. Again and again, the recognised businesses spoke of trust, repeat custom and the feeling that they are part of people’s lives, not simply service providers.

This is what My Local Awards said of its Yorkshire winners:

In retail, heritage and reputation shine through. Dronfield Antiques in Sheffield, winner of Antiques Shop of the Year, has traded for more than 50 years and remains proud of its “old school” face-to-face service. Owner Howard Greaves said the award was “a sign that we must have been doing something right after all these years,” while thanking regular customers for their “great faith” in the business. Atkinsons of Sheffield, named Furniture Retailer of the Year, continues a family tradition dating back to 1872. The store said the award recognised its furniture department’s “flexible, adaptable approach” and added: “It’s the customers we serve thanking us and saying to us we value you.” In Wakefield, Harvey’s Jewellers, winner of Jeweller of the Year, was “over the moon” to be recognised, saying public votes made the award especially meaningful for the second-generation family business known for its workshop, diamond stock and repairs.

Health, care and wellbeing winners highlight some of the most personal services in local communities. Hull care home St Mary’s Riverside, winner of Care Home of the Year, has built a strong reputation since opening in 2022, with its team saying the award brought “genuine happiness for the recognition” and reflected “the tireless work ethic and dedication” of staff. Aligned Health & Wellness in Holmfirth, named Chiropractic Business of the Year, focuses on complex injuries and chronic pain; owner Clare Leetham said winning brought “complete disbelief, followed by immense gratitude.” Leeds-based Clarendon Dental Spa, winner of Dental Practice of the Year, has rebuilt after both Covid and a devastating fire, with the team saying the award recognised “the care, compassion, and attention to detail that every single member of our team brings to work each day.” Leeds Holistic Health, named Wellness Business of the Year, grew from founder Shaheen Jaffary’s own recovery journey and now helps clients through reflexology, coaching and mind-body healing. She said she felt “incredibly grateful and proud” and hoped the award would raise awareness of “the powerful connection between stress, the mind and physical health.” Unfurling Space in Stokesley, just nine months old and winner of Yoga Studio of the Year, described itself as a “dedicated yoga sanctuary”, while founder Annabelle Wright said the news brought “complete disbelief… followed by overwhelming gratitude.” Leeds charity Sunshine & Smiles, winner of Disability Service Provider of the Year, supports more than 190 families with Down syndrome and said the award brought “real pride” because it came from the community it serves. Newly opened Perfect Paws Vets, winner of Veterinary Practice of the Year, said it was “overwhelmed, happy and proud” to be recognised so early, having built its independent practice around continuity of care and real relationships with pets and owners.

In beauty and personal care, trust and transformation are central. Diva Aesthetics & Beauty, winner of Beauty Salon of the Year, has grown from founder Lisa Spencer’s determination after a life-changing brain injury. Lisa said winning left her “absolutely shocked” and proved “the blood, sweat and tears has all been worth it.” Canvas Hair & Beauty in York, winner of Hair Salon of the Year, opened at the start of the Covid lockdowns and has built a strong following for its friendly, intimate atmosphere. Owner Denise Ebanks-Smyth said the team was “so excited and happy” and that the award gave them confidence “to continue and get better and better.” Indergaard Physiotherapy, named Physiotherapy Practice of the Year, has grown from a single clinic into a respected multi-site business helping patients recover from pain and injury. The team said they were “genuinely stunned and incredibly proud” that patients had voted for them.

Hospitality winners also stand out for warmth, personality and strong local followings. No.21 York, winner of Bed & Breakfast of the Year, has become one of the city’s top-rated stays, with owners Simon and Andrea saying they were “overjoyed to receive the recognition from our guests.” The Nettle in Settle, named Restaurant of the Year, has made a fast impression with modern European small plates and a strong sustainability ethos. Its owners said they were “honestly very surprised” to win and that it meant so much because “our customers and supporters have actually taken time to vote for us.” East Coast Shellfish in Scarborough, winner of Fishmonger of the Year, is a three-generation family business sourcing sustainable local seafood; the team said they were “very pleased and shocked” and called the award “a great family accomplishment.” The Angel Inn in Topcliffe, crowned Pub of the Year, reopened in 2024 after refurbishment and has already built a loyal following. Its team said they were “elated and extremely grateful and shocked” and thanked the staff and customers who make it “a proper local”.

The awards also recognise organisations shaping family life and education. Abbeydale Cottage Nursery in Sheffield, winner of Nursery of the Year, now cares for more than 200 children and is known for its “home from home” ethos. The nursery said it was “over the moon to have won not just locally but in the whole county.” Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley, named Secondary School of the Year, recently achieved an Outstanding judgement and said it was “delighted” by an award voted for by local people, calling it “a lovely and welcomed celebration” of staff efforts. In York, The Mount Prep School, winner of Primary School of the Year, combines a nurturing environment with its Explore, Discover, Create curriculum. Head of Prep Rachel Capper described the award as a “prestigious honour”, with staff and pupils celebrating together.

Skilled trades and specialist services form another strong group of winners. Fyfe Financial, named Financial Advisory Business of the Year, has been helping clients since 1993 and said it was “surprised and delighted” to receive an award voted for by the people it serves. OneHeat Limited in Barnsley, winner of Plumbing Business of the Year, was “thrilled and genuinely proud”, with recognition reflecting its honest, dependable service. Rowley Roofing Services, crowned Roofing Business of the Year, said being recognised made “a lot of hard work feel like it’s paying off.” Ryther Alarms in York, winner of Security Company of the Year, summed up its role neatly: “We are a security company that’s in the peace of mind business.” The team said they were “pleasantly surprised” to win. Sure Staffing, named Recruitment Agency of the Year, said it was “extremely proud and grateful”, while a client praised its “flexible approach.” Knaresborough Movers, winner of Removals Company of the Year, said it was “so proud” as it approaches 10 years in business. KAYBE, awarded Branding Agency of the Year, said it was “genuinely thrilled” by the public recognition. Sheffield family firm Global Windows, winner of Windows & Doors Business of the Year, was “absolutely delighted”, saying the award reflected years of high standards and hard work. Grahame Stowe Bateson, named Law Firm of the Year, was recognised for its strong regional reputation and long-term client trust.

Some of the most characterful winners come from leisure, culture and community-led business. Friars Hill Riding Stables, winner of Equestrian Centre of the Year, was described by owner Alison Brown as “not just a riding school, it’s more of a community with great family vibes.” She said she was “absolutely delighted” and “so very grateful” to clients, while praising the team and volunteers behind the centre’s wider work, including riding for the disabled. In Barnsley, Prestige Wargaming, crowned Toy Shop of the Year, has quickly become a tabletop gaming hub for events, tournaments and social connection. Founder John Swallow said he was “surprised” and “staggered” by the support and called the award “a great motivator”, adding: “You guys are the best! Onwards and upwards! For the Emperor!” Also in Barnsley, Academy Theatre, winner of Theatre of the Year, said it was “so proud” and that, as a small family-run theatre, the recognition “means the world to us”. In Knaresborough, Abbey Electrical, named Electronics Store of the Year, said the team “couldn’t believe it” and were “jumping up and down and cheering” after the win, a fitting reaction for a family business now marking more than 50 years

Taken together, the winners tell a bigger story about Yorkshire’s independent spirit. They are businesses and organisations that have come through fires, pandemics, economic pressures and the daily challenge of serving the public, yet still inspire enough loyalty for customers and communities to vote for them. That is what makes the My Local Awards distinctive: the recognition comes directly from the people who know these businesses best. Across every sector, from care and education to hospitality, trades and retail, the message is the same, hard work, trust and community connection still matter, and Yorkshire has them in abundance.

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