THE shortlist for the Ilkley Business Awards 2019 has been announced.

A panel of independent judges deliberated over the entries and came up with the final list. The winners will be announced at a celebratory dinner at the King’s Hall and Winter Gardens on Friday, March 15.

The shortlist is:

Apprentice of the Year: Jessica Bourke; Jimmy Arnott.

Business Personality: Alexandra Girling; Julia Forrester; Sarah Siddons.

Customer Service: La Stazione; Lishmans; The Aisle Bridal Boutique.

Employee of the Year: Clip n’ Climb - Charlotte Allum; Dan’s Den - Michelle Thompson; Simone Robinson.

Established: Ison Harrison; Subrosa Ltd; The Wheatley Arms.

Food and Drink business: Fuggle & Golding Tap House; La Casita; The Little Tea House.

Health and Beauty Business: Lexa Hair; LFW Podiatry; Space Fitness and Wellbeing.

Independent Retailer: Floral Dance; Love Brownies; The Art Shop; The Carriage.

Leisure and Tourism: Clip n Climb; Simply Groups; Westwood Lodge, Ilkley Moor.

Long Standing: Burley Fisheries; Christchurch Cafe; Lishmans; Virtual College.

Micro Business: Little Beau Sheep; Paw Seasons Boutique Feline Hotel; Strulch.

New business: Broadley’s Bistro and Wine Bar; Leap into Languages; Moin Moin Backerei.

Professional Services Business: Ashlands Veterinary Centre; Handlesbanken; High Speed Training; Walker Foster.

A Business Awards spokesperson said: “Thanks go to all the local businesses who have sponsored this year’s categories. These include our headline sponsor, Smart Search, the Ilkley Business Forum, The Town Council, Erica Berry Flowers, RDC Solicitors, LCF Law, U dentistry, Bright Wealth Management, Stray FM, The Clevedon at Ben Rhydding, Walker Foster Solicitors, The Wheatley Arms, O’Connor Chiropractic, Sarah Siddons Financial Planning, The BNI Ilkley, Love Brownies, The Boxtree Restaurant, Bluehoop, Bistro Saigon, Stowe Family Law, Tennant and Darragh Jewellery workshop.

The awards have organised by Ilkley Business Forum members and supported by the Ilkley Town Council. They were created to celebrate the achievements of businesses in LS29. Tickets are available at www.ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk