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.
BOOST: A marketing support programme for York and North Yorkshire tourism and hospitality businesses
This practical, action-oriented programme of activity has been developed to help you market your business more effectively, saving time and money. It’s created and delivered by Susan Briggs from The Tourism Network. Susan has over thirty years of successful tourism marketing experience. It’s for visitor-facing tourism businesses such as accommodation providers; visitor attractions; activity and experience providers; creative, retail, food and drink businesses.
Made Smarter Backs Unity Racing on the Road to Singapore
Made Smarter Yorkshire is proud to continue its support for Unity Racing, a team of six exceptional college students competing in the renowned F1 in Schools competition. As the reigning UK national champions, Unity Racing will once again take on the world stage this September, heading to Singapore for the highly anticipated global finals.
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
Industrial Strategy to provide over £150m to reinforce UK as services superpower
The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy will invest over £150 million in five transformative AI and technology programmes to help UK Professional and Business Services (PBS) sectors such as legal, management consulting and accountancy soar.
Are you paying your interns at least the National Minimum Wage?
If you are considering hiring an intern, it’s important to find out whether they are entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Meet your High Street Coordinator: Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund
If you’re unsure whether your project idea is a good fit for the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets fund, have any questions or simply need support, please get in touch with your local High Street Coordinator to discuss your proposal.
Innovation Supper – Apply to pitch
After the incredible success of the previous event, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Innovation Supper, and once again, we’re inviting you apply to pitch. If you are interested in your chance to get some great business advice and take away some funding to grow, then please fill in the application and return to us by 4 September 2025.
UK organisations stand to benefit from new data protection laws
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) has now received Royal Assent. This new legislation updates key aspects of data protection law, making it easier for UK businesses to protect people’s personal information while growing and innovating their products and services.
Launch of week-long programme to help businesses to thrive
Businesses across North Yorkshire are being given key advice and the chance to develop their enterprises with the launch of the first event of its kind in the county that has been heralded as a “vital move” to supporting the economy.
Digital Adoption Grant - Apply Now
The Digital Inclusion Capital Grant aims to support businesses to adopt new technologies and resources, in order to increase innovation and productivity. The fund opened for applications on Monday 16 June 2025 and will close at 5pm on Monday 14 July 2025.
Leadership Excellence and Development Programme Launched for North Yorkshire
The Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Programme is tailored for small business owners who want to strengthen their leadership skills and drive business growth. Over six months, this programme covers key areas essential for your success, delivered by experts in their fields through a mix of workshops, coaching, and consultancy.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: September 2025 (Register your interest)
Following ongoing high demand and supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs, the Growth Hub is planning to once again partner up with Enterprise Cube to deliver a cohort of the Strive Live Start-Up Incubator, tentatively scheduled for September 2025. Find out more about more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.