MEMBERS of the Otley business community gathered on Tuesday, July 18 for the launch of the 2024 Otley Business Awards.

A spokesperson for the organising committee said: "This prestigious event organised by the Otley Chamber of Trade and supported by Otley Business Improvement District (BID) and Otley Town Council is now in it’s ninth year and allows businesses and their clients to celebrate the wide range of brilliant businesses we have in the town.

"Customers or clients can use the online nomination form available at www.otleychamber.co.uk to nominate their favourite businesses in the following categories: Best Newcomer, Best Eatery, Best Retail, Best Health, Beauty & Wellness, Best Professional Services, Outstanding Tradesperson and Best Bar/Pub. Nominations remain open until Saturday 30th September.

"Businesses are also able to nominate their own businesses and staff in the following categories: Community Award, Rising Star Award, Eco Friendly Business, and Team of the Year.

"Finally, there is an Outstanding Contribution to the Business Community Award which allows business owners to nominate a fellow business person who has been a support to your business or the wider business community.

"The nominees in each category will be announced in October, and after a scrupulous shortlisting process the shortlisted businesses will be announced in December.

"The winners will be announced at an exciting event to be held at Otley Golf Club on Saturday 24th February 2024 where businesses will be treated to a celebratory evening of food, dancing, and a keynote speech by James Mason.

"Having set up his own manufacturing business over 20 years ago, James has enjoyed a distinguished career having held leadership roles at Bradford City and Rochdale Football clubs, as well as a period working as a sports agent.

"As a qualified journalist, James worked for many years as a news and sports reporter with the BBC and is the founder of two not for profit dementia cafes in West Yorkshire. James became the CEO of The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce in April of this year."

Visit www.otleychamber.co.uk to nominate a business.

Nominations close on Saturday, September 30, 2023 Only businesses that are based in Otley and that have an LS21 postcode qualify for entry into the Otley Business Awards. Any nominations received after this date will not be included.