The glitz and glamour of the Yorkshire Choice Awards’ (YCAs) evening could have been mistaken for an Oscar style ceremony event with well over 700 people attending at the Centenary Pavilion at Elland Road. However, the organisers of the YCA have made this annual celebration and recognition of some truly amazing people a date not to be missed and firmly on Yorkshire’s calendar.

It could be argued that this is actually moving towards becoming a national event and many counties around the UK and indeed further afield will no doubt be considering something similar and following in the footsteps of this hugely successful gala ceremony.

The YCA was founded by Melanie Malcolm and Jo Maltby. They both saw an opportunity to recognise and raise the awareness of local people and independent businesses that are inspirational in their own way or in the markets they serve. The YCA demonstrates that through adversity and courage, light can shine through in so many different ways and give the deserving nominees, finalists and winners the exposure that is so deserving.

Jo Maltby said, “In the last four years, The Yorkshire Choice Awards has grown considerably, way beyond anything Mel and myself expected and we are thrilled that the event is now the pedestal to celebrate the very best of Yorkshire businesses and residents. I would also like to make it clear that we couldn’t make this happen without the help and support of so many and we will always be eternally grateful. From presenters to audio/visual and from stage design to lighting - they know who they are and we couldn’t thank them enough.”

Melanie Malcolm followed by saying, “We must remember that the YCA is also a vehicle for supporting charities and this year we partnered with Bethany’s Smile. It helps support the care of children with life limiting and threatening illnesses and we are hoping to raise a significant amount of support to go towards Smile Cottage – which will be a place where families can go to spend quality time with those they love while they are faced and coming to terms with the distressing news of life expectancy.”

The YCA had well over a quarter of a million votes this year and with 14 awards there was quite a bit of admin to get through leading up to the night in question. The support from the YCA sponsors has been vital (including headline sponsor Yorkshire Payments), and several have already committed to 2020. YCA is also looking for new partners and both Jo and Mel would be keen to hear from any interested party. Mel added, “The coverage and awareness the YCA is beginning to enjoy in the media and generally across the county can only be a good thing and will hopefully encourage more organisations to join us on our quest to recognise the best of Yorkshire. We’ve had 700 guests this year and that’s nearly 150 more than last year so we may start reach the 1000 guest target in a few years time”

The event itself was hosted by Christa Ackroyd and she kept the whole thing moving along with professional expertise, which isn’t easy as such major events. She shared the stage with Jonathan Heath who kicked it all off with the auction.

The entertainment came from Lizzie Jones (singing) and Tilly Ducker (dancing) before Tilly also took to the mike to sing. Bethany Hare, founder and principle of the 2019 chosen charity Bethany’s Smile also sang on stage including a duet with Brad Johnson.

The final award of the night was the ‘Special Recognition Award’ given to Claire Throssell, whose bravery and determination to drive on despite the tragic losses she has to live with is extraordinary and humbling.

Melanie Malcolm, said: “Claire’s story is one that no parent should ever go through. She is an incredible lady and shown immeasurable strength in her bid to change the way in which domestic abuse is handled in the courts, to ensure that the harrowing events that changed her life forever won’t be repeated again.

Jo Maltby, added: “The Yorkshire Choice Awards celebrates achievement in Yorkshire, and in its fourth year, we are proud to have recognised the most inspirational individuals and businesses that our county has to offer. Being a ‘people’s choice awards’ shows that Yorkshire really does thrive on our community heroes, individuals like Claire.”

This award was presented by Yorkshire actress Kate Anthony, better known as Auntie Pam in Coronation Street and more recently for her TV role in Game of Thrones. Kate said, “What Mel and Jo have achieved with YCA, and dare I say done for Yorkshire as a whole, is incredible and they too should be recognised for this. I’m delighted to be associated with it, even in such a small way and I’m already looking forward to next years event.”

Jo and Mel don’t stop for a break though, they have already had a planning meeting for 2020’s YCA and they have their work cut out to make it even bigger and better, but this they will do!

Photo caption for award pic: Kate Granger Outstanding Contribution Award winner Vicki Gilbert with Chris Pointon , Husband of the late Dr Kate Granger and James Howard Managing Director of Yorkshire Payments (Photo credit: Robling Photography)

Photo credit for the room pics is: Gifford Malcolm

Winners and Finalists

Winners in bold

Special Recognition Award

Claire Throssell, Penistone

Independent Business of the Year Award

Cards or Die, Leeds

Crafty Kids, Barnsley

LMB Group – Cleckheaton

Yarn Etc, Harrogate

Business Woman of the Year Award

Lindsay McEnroe, True You Skin Clinic, Leeds

Nicky Chance-Thompson, The Piece Hall, Halifax

Samantha Rogerson, The Space Dance Studio, Hull

Sarah Moore, Tockwith Motorsports, York

Business Man of the Year Award

Alan Suttle, Suttle Transport, Wetherby

Andrew Bean, LMB Group, Cleckheaton

Gary Barker, Monster Kids, Leeds

Phil Smith, Shoe Cake Comedy, Leeds

Charitable Business Award

Breast Friends, York

Minister FM, York

Special Stars Foundation, Hull

St Gemma’s (Emily Clark), Leeds

Customer Service Award

Huddersfield Town Ticket Office, Huddersfield

Indigo Greens, York

Pride & Providence, Halifax

Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa Leeds

Yorkshire Media Personality Award

Caroline Verdon & Ant Arthur

Christine Talbot & Duncan Wood

Lucy Pargeter & Dominic Brunt

Stephanie Hirst

Inspirational Individual of the Year Award

Jayven Chera, Pudsey

Norristhorpe School Admin Staff, Liversedge

Paul Atwal-Brice, Barnsley

Rachel Smith, Halifax

Local Fundraiser of the Year Award

Chris Pointon, Mirfield

Helen Smith, Garforth

Homeless Street Angels, Leeds

Pamala Clare, Wakefield

Volunteer of the Year Award

Andrew Ashworth, Conisborough

Lauren Doherty, Knaresborough

Sophie Chapman, Leeds

Wetherby Christmas Lights Team, Wetherby

Young Achiever of the Year Award

Amelia Flanaghan, Leeds

Hayden Connett, Halifax

Matt Greenwood, Easingwold

Sebastian Murphy, Guiseley

New Starter Business of the Year Award

Cheertots, Hull

Leap Into Languages, Burley in Wharfedale

Loafers Vinyl & Coffee Shop, Halifax

Wool Couture Company, Barnsley

Sporting Achievement of the Year Award

Ellis Ward, Leeds

Huddersfield Town Football Club, Huddersfield

Lucas Town, Huddersfield

Matt Greenwood, Easingwold

The Kate Grainger Award for Outstanding Contribution

Benjamin Carpenter, Huddersfield

Claire Throssell, Penistone

John McGall, York

Vicki Gilbert, Leeds