Happy campers: Yorkshire campervan awning company wins top FSB award
A Harrogate-based business that creates and sells glamorous canvas campervan awnings has been named as one of the UK’s top businesses at this year’s Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Celebrating Small Business Awards.
Run by husband and wife team James and Sarah Martin, Glawning Ltd scooped the Microbusiness of the Year Award at the annual event on Thursday 19 May, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow and co-hosted by broadcaster Clare Balding and JJ Chalmers, and addressed by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The innovative pair came up with the idea in 2013 when they wanted to pitch something ‘posh’ next to their vintage campervan. Realising that such a product didn’t yet exist, they set to work creating a 100% cotton canvas awning and launched Glawning Ltd, a business which turned over more than £500,000 in the last financial year.
Despite Covid challenges such a 500% increase in shipping costs, production delays and unpredictable sales levels, as well as the couple tackling home-schooling, the business is thriving and this year they plan to launch in Europe and the USA.
As well as a successful business model, the microbusiness has somewhat of a following amongst Glawning owners, with a unique Facebook community and the launch of the annual Glawning charity festival Glampfest.
Having already won the Yorkshire and the Humber regional final of FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards earlier this year, James and Sarah have now beaten competition from area winners across the UK to take the national title of Microbusiness of the Year.
FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards is the most high-profile event of its kind nationally, with more than 3,000 entries, and showcases the best of small business entrepreneurship in every part of the UK.
Glawning co-founder Sarah Martin, said: “We’re thrilled to have won the Microbusiness of the Year Award at this year’s FSB awards. We set up our business after identifying a gap in the market and this award is very much a testament to all the work we have put into creating and launching a product that we ourselves need and use.”
FSB National Chair Martin McTague, said: “Congratulations to Glawning Ltd for winning this award. This is an example of a small business that recognised an opening for a new product and worked hard to create something that has been a success amongst the campervan community. I wish them success as they continue to innovate and create new products and take on the international markets.”
About FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.
If you’d like to learn more about business support in York and North Yorkshire, the Growth Hub can help. Contact us online or call Faye on our Helpdesk for free on 0800 246 5045.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: Expression of Interest for Autumn 2026
Interested in joining a future cohort of Stive Live Start-Up Incubator? Find out more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
Steps into Digital Voucher Scheme: Business Success Stories
The Steps into Digital Voucher Scheme helped businesses progress their digital transformation by providing one-to-one support that reflected their individual needs. Working with experienced digital providers, businesses were able to identify practical solutions and make meaningful improvements to the way they operated.
ETL Fluid Experts spark productivity boost with automation investment.
A North Yorkshire manufacturer of industrial filtration systems has dramatically improved production times after introducing automation to a key process, with support from Made Smarter. ETL Fluid Experts (ETL) secured almost £15,000 towards an automated wire processing centre, helping eliminate a major bottleneck in the production of wiring looms.
North Yorkshire manufacturers among firms investing £900,000 in digital tech with Made Smarter
From pizza dough and rally cars to signage, packaging and heavy machinery, makers are investing in growth and jobs. North Yorkshire manufacturers are among 19 Yorkshire businesses investing almost £900,000 in digital technologies to improve efficiency, create jobs and support future growth, with support from Made Smarter Yorkshire.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: The First Deadline is Fast Approaching
With the introduction of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA), the biggest change to the Self Assessment system in a generation is now underway. Although the mandatory start date of April 2026 has arrived for the first group of taxpayers, many self-employed individuals and landlords are still unprepared for the new requirements. Now is the time to check whether the rules apply to you and, if they do, ensure you have the right systems in place.
Fully Funded Training for Tourism and Hospitality Businesses - Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering
The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub are pleased to be partnering with North Yorkshire Council and the City of York Council on an initiative to support hospitality businesses from across the area to benefit from fully funded Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2 training and certification courses
Supporting Start-ups in York and North Yorkshire
Starting a business is exciting, but many first-time business owners are unsure where to begin and how to move forward. The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub addresses this by providing accessible, fully funded support tailored to those at the earliest stages of their journey and beyond.
Largest crackdown on late payments in over 25 years as landmark Bill enters Parliament
Small businesses will no longer be left chasing money they are already owed, as ministers today [Tuesday 19 May] introduce landmark legislation to end the scourge of late payments and back millions of sole traders, freelancers, and family firms across the country.
Funding reaches £900K in bid to boost exports
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has unlocked a new wave of export funding for businesses, taking the total support up to £900,000. The third round of the Get Exporting programme is available for applications today (Monday, May 11) with £265,000 in grants for businesses to tap into.
🚗 The Growth Hub is hitting the road!
After the success of last year's roadshows, the Growth Hub is hitting the road again, traveling the region to bring the best of local business support to a town near you. Partnering with NatWest Accelerator, and joined by Business Support Advisors from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, the Growth Hub Roadshow is set to showcase what business support really looks like.
Innovation Supper: Apply to pitch
Join us for a relaxed evening with a light supper and plenty of inspiration, where you’ll have the chance to step into the spotlight and pitch your business idea to win seed funding. Prior to the pitching, you’ll be provided expert pitch training delivered by York St John, so you’re fully prepared to deliver your pitch with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or already up and running, you’re invited to get involved.
Celebrating a Career Supporting Business Growth
Growth Hub Manager Simon Middleton is stepping into retirement following a long and rewarding career defined by his dedication to the region’s business community. Colleagues, partners and the many businesses he has supported wish Simon the very best for a happy and well-deserved retirement.