Category FAQs – Hints & Tips for Entrants
Don't miss the awards
10th November 2023
#YHNEFBA Friday 13th November 2026
Category FAQs – Hints & Tips for Entrants
Agri-Business
Family-owned farming businesses and agri-related enterprises, including diversified operations.
Show how your farming or diversification activities strengthen resilience, sustainability, or
long-term viability.
Tips for a strong entry
- Explain why you diversified or innovated
- Show how it supports the core farm business
- Include practical outcomes, not just ideas
Construction, Property & Engineering
Family-owned businesses providing services to other businesses.
Quality of delivery, expertise, and your role in shaping the built environment.
Tips for a strong entry
- Highlight standout projects or achievements
- Focus on standards, professionalism, and delivery
- Demonstrate consistency, not just scale
Business Services
Family businesses involved in construction, development, property, or engineering services.
Client relationships, service quality, and reliability.
Tips for a strong entry
- Explain the value you deliver to clients
- Use client feedback or examples
- Show how you differentiate from competitors
Consumer Services
Family businesses delivering services directly to consumers.
Customer experience, service standards, and consistency.
Tips for a strong entry
- Share how you build loyalty and trust
- Use feedback, reviews, or retention metrics
- Show how you adapt to customer needs
Manufacturing
Family-owned manufacturers across all production types.
Quality, operational excellence, and innovation.
Tips for a strong entry
- Highlight production improvements or efficiencies
- Show commitment to quality and standards
- Demonstrate investment in skills or technology
Haulage, Logistics, and Distribution
Family businesses operating in transport, logistics, or distribution.
Reliability, efficiency, and service delivery.
Tips for a strong entry
- Focus on operational performance
- Highlight safety, compliance, or efficiency improvements
- Show how you support customers’ supply chains
Wholesalers
Family-owned businesses supplying goods or services to other businesses.
Dependability, partnerships, and effective distribution.
Tips for a strong entry
- Highlight long-term customer relationships
- Demonstrate consistency and reliability
- Show how you add value beyond supply
Retail and E-Tailers
Family-owned retail or e-commerce businesses.
Customer experience, brand, and adaptability.
Tips for a strong entry
- Highlight how you engage customers
- Show innovation in-store or online
- Demonstrate responsiveness to market changes
Food and Drink Establishments
Family-run cafés, restaurants, pubs, or similar venues.
Food quality, service, and overall experience.
Tips for a strong entry
- Focus on consistency and customer experience
- Highlight what makes your venue special
- Include feedback or repeat custom
Leisure and Tourism
Family businesses providing leisure, tourism, or visitor experiences.
Experience, hospitality, and service delivery.
Tips for a strong entry
- Explain what guests or visitors value most
- Show how you create memorable experiences
- Highlight service standards and innovation
Emerging Family Business
Family businesses trading between one and three years.
Early achievements and future potential.
Tips for a strong entry
- Highlight momentum and progress
- Show resilience and learning
- Share where the business is heading
Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award
Family businesses taking meaningful environmental action.
Actions taken and outcomes achieved.
Tips for a strong entry
- Focus on what you’ve done, not intentions
- Include measurable results where possible
- Show sustainability embedded in operations
Social Impact Award
Family businesses delivering positive social or community impact.
Real outcomes and benefits beyond profit.
Tips for a strong entry
- Show how your actions help people or communities
- Include evidence of impact
- Focus on sustained, meaningful activity
People’s Choice Award
Any family-owned business with strong public support.
Why customers, clients, or the public value your business.
Tips for a strong entry
- Encourage customers to vote
- Focus on popularity and loyalty
- Keep messaging simple and authentic
Employee of the Year
Non-family employees working in a family-owned business.
Contribution, attitude, and impact.
Tips for a strong entry
- Use real examples of going above and beyond
- Show impact on people or performance
- Highlight dedication and values
Next Generation Impact Award
Next-generation family members actively involved in the business.
Contribution and impact, not job title.
Tips for a strong entry
- Focus on what you’ve delivered or improved
- Show commitment and involvement
- Be clear about your role and contribution
Family Business Leadership Award
Family or non-family leaders within a family-owned business.
Leadership impact and influence.
Tips for a strong entry
- Show how leadership has driven success
- Highlight people, culture, and decision-making
- Demonstrate long-term thinking
Contact Us
For general enquiries regarding the Yorkshire, Humberside and North East Awards, contact:
Sue Howorth on 07866 536050
01539 296017
