It has just been announced that Mrs Dowsons Farm Park is a finalist for the Leisure & Tourism, Food and Drink Producer, Food & Drink Establishment, Wholesaler and Employee of the Year categories of the North West Family Business Awards 2024.
The farm park has beat strong competition with a record number of family businesses entering the awards from across the North West region.
This year’s event will be held at Bolton Football Stadium, co-hosted by Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth of The Family Business Community, alongside renowned food and drink writer, and presenter Nigel Barden, and will take place on Friday 10th May 2024.
"We are over the moon to have been nominated and made finalist for such an incredible award and for FIVE categories as well! We can't wait for the judges visit to the farm park with myself and the rest of my family who will be ready to showcase our business with open arms. And most importantly, we can't wait to celebrate our achievements at the awards celebration next month!" - Amanda Dowson.
"I am overwhelmed with the amount of support that I have received since receiving my nomination for the Employee of the Year 2024 award! I have worked at the farm park for three years and have seen the family business grow massively over the years and to be a part of it is truly special." - Sarah Ainsworth, Guest Services Manager at the farm park. Please vote for Sarah for Employee of the Year here: www.northwestfamilybusinessawards.co.uk/award-finalist/sarah-ainsworth/
Co-Founder and Director, Sue Howorth said: “With another year of increased entries we have been working with our 23 judges which are representing all 5 counties of the North West, and we know they have had extremely difficult decisions to make. Our finalists should be extremely proud of themselves for being recognised in this years shortlist.
Co-director, Dave Clarkson said: "A huge thank you to everyone who has invested time filling in their application forms. We’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity and attention to detail in the applications.”
Sue Baguley from Siemens UK, and who were the hosts of our Judging Day, said: “The number and quality of applications from across the North West region has been outstanding, the businesses are clearly proud to be family businesses and the detail in many of the entries has demonstrated that they are very progressive and innovative.
Fellow judge, Tom Mathew, Group Commercial Director of Dunsters Farm, said: “As always, it was fantastic to hear the stories of the resilient and ambitious business people working in family-run businesses across the region. The judging day is an opportunity for me to contribute to the vibrant family business community but also to go away inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by the applicants. “
The finalists will now receive a visit from our specially selected panel of judges from across the region before the judges make their final decisions. The winners will be announced at a vibrant and entertaining awards celebration on Friday 10th May. You can find out more information at www.fambizcommunity.com.