Ilkley Business Awards 2026 Finalists

Deborah and Simon from Bathe of Wharfedale are up for Best B2C [Business to Customer] of the Year, and we chat bathroom technology that can enhance your bath and shower time, and how their unique approach has brought great results for the business since its inception.

Alexandra Girling from Lexa Hair chats to Alex about being shortlisted for Hair & Beauty Business of the Year. We talk about her busy life, and the story so far for Lexa Hair, which is the coolest underground venue in Burley-in-Wharfedale!

Nicky Harris from The Driving Academy is up for Best Boss at the Ilkley Business Awards, and tells Alex what it means to be nominated by several members of her team! We also talk about whether driving standards have deteriorated since Alex passed, back in the mists of time in 1995!

Anne from LCF Law in Ilkley chats to Alex about being shortlisted for the Professional Services Awards at the Ilkley Business Awards, the pair also talk about tax and making your will!

Jenny from Ashlands Vets is nominated for the Long Service Award, and chats to Alex about human names for pets, the importance of microchipping and keeping your pets' vaccinations up-to-date, and their recent expansion.

Paresh and Sam from Right at Home Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton are up for Excellence In Care at this year's Ilkley Business Awards, and Alex chats to them about their nomination, their ethos, and how they are always on the lookout for new team members who have the right qualities.

Stuart Baker is up for the Long Service Award at this year's Business Awards, and is a legend of Lishman's of Ilkley! We chat to him about what makes Lishman's a special part of Ilkley for so many, and whether he minds 'talking shop' when out and about in town, since so many folk recognise him!

Grace and Simon from Home Instead Ilkley join Alex for a chat about Grace's nomination in the Rising Star category at the Ilkley Business Awards. We find out about how Grace was inspired by real life events to get into the care sector, and more about the brilliant work done by the team at Home Instead.

Rachel from A Tidy Mind Team chats to Alex about their shortlisting in the Health & Wellbeing category. They've been in the running four times now, and she's hopeful this could be their lucky year! We discuss the service they offer, and also their shiny new website.

Vicky from the Carriage in Burley-in-Wharfedale chats to Alex about being shortlisted in the B2C category. Will they repeat their previous win?! We discuss the importance of a good quality mattress for a decent night's sleep, and their relaxed approach to selling, which might mean you spending a whole morning or afternoon in the showroom.

George from LFW Podiatry chats to Alex about his nomination in the Rising Star category, and explains some of the science behind what he does and the importance of listening to the warning signs your body gives you.

Rachel from The Little Calf play café joins Alex for a chat about their nomination for the New Business category in the Ilkley Business Awards. Children are at the heart of everything they do, and we find out more about the story so far, and how all of the family pitch in towards its success. Find them on Church Street in Ilkley, just next door to the Box Tree.

Jonathan from Martinez Wines joins Alex for a chat. We discuss the minimum price we should be paying for a half decent bottle of wine, their squeezed overheads, what the Government could do to help them, and their pride in offering an excellent service to Ilkley. Martinez are shortlisted in the Best Food, Drink & Entertainment category.

David from Full Circle Funerals joins Alex to talk about being shortlisted for the Ilkley Business Awards (B2C category). We discuss what sets them apart in their approach, music choices, and the importance of taking a caring approach in every aspect of what they do.

Shortlisted in the B2B category at the Ilkley Business Awards 2026, Helen Rhodes from Ideal Extraction chats to Alex about the day-to-day stresses of running a business, the work they do to keep factories running safely, and we discover more about 'dust extraction' - which we almost guarantee is not something you think about on a regular basis, but is so important as part of health & safety at work.

Beth and Emily from Carers and Companions tell us about the challenges & rewards in their jobs, and how they feel about being nominated for the Best Excellence In Care Award at this year's Ilkley Business Awards.

Tucker Zendah runs Moor Fruit & Veg, and they've been nominated for Best New Business after less than two months of opening! We discuss what inspired him to open a greengrocers in Ilkley, healthy eating, and how they deal with the current price pressure facing most businesses.

John Redding from Designer Travel Ilkley is up for Best Side Hustle Business of the Year, and we discuss how you can build your dream getaway, using their network of knowledge and expertise.

Paul Miller from Kip McGrath chats to Alex about being shortlisted for Best Professional Services Business of the Year at this year's Ilkley Business Awards, and tells us more about what they offer. We also discuss the benefits of reading a little more and doom scrolling a little less.

Catherine O'Hare from The Paint Box in Menston chats to Alex about the cathartic delights of painting, and how everyone can give it a go! We find out about the origins of Catherine's side hustle, and how she feels about being shortlisted for this year's Side Hustle category at the 2026 Ilkley Business Awards on 6th March.