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.
HMRC asks Self Assessment customers in Yorkshire and the Humber ‘What’s your filing style?’
With less than two months until the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is asking people filing their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year ‘What’s your filing style?’ and encouraging them to start now.
Create your winning Marketing Plan for 2026: Workshop
Free one-day training for Tourism businesses across York & North Yorkshire - with sessions across Skipton, Scarborough, Northallerton, York and Harrogate. It’s a tough market and costs are rising all the time for hospitality and tourism businesses. This means that you need to increase revenue, and smarter marketing is one definite way forward.
1-2-1 Social Media Support for Small Businesses
Interested in this 1-2-1 support, we are offering six hours of support with Sue, broken down into actionable sessions and can (if required) include a separate implementation session to show actions undertaken to help support the business.
New one stop shop Business Growth Service roadshow kicks off to support firms in the North East
Small Businesses across the UK will benefit from a new support service, bringing together central, devolved, and local support in one place for the first time.
Communications for Small Businesses: Webinar Series
Communications, marketing, PR – these can be complicated to navigate as a small business. But Hey Me is here to help. Our communications workshops have been specially designed to help small businesses just like yours reach your target customers and increase your potential for growth.
Fully Funded Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series
Step into digital with Data Stream's Automation & Efficiency Webinar series. Designed to support small businesses make day-to-day work smoother. This series gives a balanced overview of everything needed to streamline everyday work, through a well-rounded introduction to the digital tools and techniques that make running your business smoother and more managea
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: Expression of Interest
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.
Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules
People making money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items are being urged to check if they need to tell HMRC about their earnings. As the festive season approaches, HMRC's Help for Hustles campaign is reminding anyone earning extra income from activities like making Christmas decorations, upcycling furniture for seasonal sales, or running market stalls, that they will need to tell HMRC if they earn more than £1,000.
Steps into Digital: Voucher Scheme
Benefit from a bespoke approach to digital transformation, accessible and manageable to all at any level. Providers will collaborate with business's on a one-to-one basis, delivering tailored support that aligns with specific digital needs and objectives.
Self Assessment deadline is 100 days away
More than 3.5 million people have already filed their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and with 100 days to the 31 January 2026 deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding those yet to file to do it early.
Discover Digital workshops in Harrogate
Step into Digital this November, with workshops designed to take you from your 🟢 First Step into Digital to your 🟡 Next Step into Digital. Each full day workshop will take place at Co-Lab Harrogate
Innovation Supper – Apply to pitch
As part of this year's York Business Festival, York Business School and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are delighted to bring you the third Innovation Supper. The idea is simple, we host a relaxed evening with a light supper, and charge a small entry fee. In return, local entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, and the audience votes for their favourite. The winning idea takes home the proceeds to help bring their vision to life.