{"id":4487,"date":"2014-10-06T14:42:53","date_gmt":"2014-10-06T14:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mcfade.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4487"},"modified":"2024-08-13T17:06:00","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T17:06:00","slug":"mcfade-photography-wins-solopreneur-award-at-biy-inspired-awards-2014-celebrating-yorkshires-best-small-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcfade.co.uk\/blog\/mcfade-photography-wins-solopreneur-award-at-biy-inspired-awards-2014-celebrating-yorkshires-best-small-businesses\/%20","title":{"rendered":"McFade Photography Wins Solopreneur Award at BiY Inspired Awards 2014 | Celebrating Yorkshire’s Best Small Businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"

McFade Photography Wins Solopreneur Award at the Inaugural BiY Inspired Awards<\/h3>\n

Well, folks, I’ve got some rather smashing news to share. On Friday, 3rd October, at the beautiful Met Hotel in Leeds, McFade Photography was honoured with the Solopreneur Award<\/strong> at the first-ever BiY Inspired Awards<\/strong>. It’s not every day you get to stand in front of a room full of Yorkshire\u2019s finest small businesses and be recognised for your hard work, so you can imagine how chuffed I was!<\/p>\n

A massive thank you to Paul Dodd<\/a> for stepping in and capturing the moment \u2013 I was a bit busy clutching the award, grinning like a Cheshire cat!<\/p>\n

The Big Idea Behind the BiY Inspired Awards<\/h3>\n

This whole event came to life thanks to the brilliant Louise Turner and the team at Awards Writers, in collaboration with BiY (Business Inspired Yorkshire). Louise, with her passion for supporting small businesses, noticed a glaring gap \u2013 there just weren\u2019t any awards specifically celebrating the small and micro businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.<\/p>\n

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It turns out, while there are plenty of awards floating around, they\u2019re often dominated by much larger companies. For us smaller folks, competing against businesses with turnover up to \u00a310 million is a bit like David facing Goliath, only without the slingshot. So, Louise and her team took matters into their own hands, creating an awards ceremony that truly recognises the unique challenges and triumphs of small businesses like ours.<\/p>\n

The Importance of Awards: Why Bother Competing?<\/h3>\n

Now, you might wonder, “Why should I bother with awards in the first place?” Well, let me tell you, there are more than a few reasons why throwing your hat into the ring can be a game-changer:<\/p>\n

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  1. Recognition<\/strong>: Awards are a brilliant way to get your name out there. Winning one not only boosts your credibility but also signals to potential clients that you\u2019re at the top of your game.<\/li>\n
  2. Motivation<\/strong>: Running a small business can sometimes feel like you\u2019re on a treadmill \u2013 always running, but never quite getting anywhere. Being recognised for your hard work<\/a> is a fantastic motivator, reminding you why you started this journey in the first place.<\/li>\n
  3. Networking<\/strong>: Awards ceremonies are great networking opportunities. You\u2019re in a room full of like-minded individuals, all passionate about what they do. Who knows what collaborations or partnerships might spring from a chat over the buffet table?<\/li>\n
  4. Benchmarking<\/strong>: Even if you don\u2019t win, the process of applying for an award makes you step back and take a good look at your business. It\u2019s a chance to reflect<\/a> on what you\u2019ve achieved and where you can improve.<\/li>\n
  5. Marketing<\/strong>: Let\u2019s not forget, winning an award<\/a> is pure gold for your marketing efforts. It\u2019s something you can shout about on social media<\/a>, in press releases, and directly to your clients. It sets you apart from the competition and gives potential clients another reason to choose you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Event: A Celebration of Yorkshire\u2019s Small Businesses<\/h3>\n

    The BiY Inspired Awards were more than just an awards ceremony \u2013 they were a celebration of everything that\u2019s great about small businesses in Yorkshire. From those who\u2019ve transformed their businesses from humble beginnings to those who are just starting to make waves, the event recognised the passion, dedication, and sheer hard graft that goes into running a small business.<\/p>\n

    There were a few teary moments as winners took to the stage, reflecting on their journeys. It was clear that these awards meant the world to everyone involved \u2013 a true recognition of their hard work and perseverance.<\/p>\n

    The Winners<\/h3>\n

    In case you missed it, here\u2019s a rundown of the winners from the night:<\/p>\n