Clapham-based country clothing brand Glencroft is celebrating after winning the Small Retailers and E-Tailers Family Business of the Year Award at the Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards 2023.

Business owners, entrepreneurs, industry experts and leaders came together to recognise the achievements of the region’s most innovative and successful family businesses, in a ceremony osted by Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth of The Family Business Community in Harrogate recently.

The highly anticipated event held at The Majestic Hotel, was attended by over 325 of the most distinguished names within the Yorkshire family business world, where regional champions were crowned by food writer, broadcaster, and proud northerner Nigel Barden.

Based in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Glencroft, who make sustainable British-made country clothing and accessories, was shortlisted in two categories: Wholesaler Family Business of the Year and Small Retailers and E-Tailers Family Business of the Year.

Run by parent and son trio Justina, Richard and Edward Sexton (pictured above), Glencroft fought off strong competition on the evening to take home the award the Small Retailers and E-Tailers.

Speaking of the win, Edward Sexton, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to win at the Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards. It is a testament to the hard work of my parents, who founded the business in the 1980s, and the team around us who contribute every day towards making Glencroft the successful family business it is today.

“As times have changed so has our business model, which has seen us launch an e-commerce website to grow our customer base and revenue, whilst further developing our trade relationships – both in the UK and abroad. This has helped us to grow the business and future-proof its success, whilst continuing to manufacture the high-quality clothing and accessories our customers know and love.

“While the move online has been been a key growth strategy for us, we are aware that online retailing can be quite an impersonal way of purchasing. As a family business, we try to connect with our customers as we would a friend, with each online purchase packaged up with a handwritten note from us. By doing this we add that personal touch to the buying experience, which really helps to set us apart from other brands.”

Speaking about the event, Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth, co-founders of The Family Business Community, said:

“We always want to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees, and bringing the awards to Harrogate this year, added an extra layer of magic to the occasion. The turnout was our largest to date and felt a fantastic energy in the room which was incredible.

“We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to support the awards and recognise the hard work and dedication of our Yorkshire and Humberside family businesses. It was truly an unforgettable night for everyone in the room.”

Edward concluded: “On behalf of the whole Glencroft team, I would like to extend my thanks to the judges for the award, my congratulations to all the other finalists on their achievements and to all our customers over the past 36 years – we wouldn’t be here without you, whether it’s a retail shop or an individual purchasing a British Wool hat.”

You can find out more at www.yorkshireandhumbersidefamilybusinessawards.co.uk