Which Yorkshire Garden Centre Group Is Up For A Big Business Award In Leeds?

Ever wonder what makes a local business stand out from the crowd? It’s not always about having the flashiest signs or the biggest sales. Sometimes, it’s about growing something special, and not just in the plant department. A certain garden centre group from Bradford has been doing just that, and people are starting to notice. The team at Yorkshire Garden Centres, the people behind popular spots like Tong, Tingley, and Dean's in York and Scarborough, are celebrating some massive news. They've made it to the finals of a huge regional competition, TheBusinessDesk.com Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards 2026. This isn't just any old pat on the back; it's a bit like making it to the cup final, but for businesses.

What's all the fuss about?

So, what exactly is this award? Think of it as the Oscars for companies in Yorkshire. The category the local garden hero is shortlisted for is the Large Business of the Year award. That means they’re up against some of the biggest and best companies in the entire region. To even get shortlisted is a pretty big deal. It shows that this isn't just a place to buy a new spade or some pretty flowers for your nan. This is a serious business that's making a real impact.

The garden centre group includes a whole family of popular spots, from Bingley and Otley to the Pennine Garden Centre. Being recognised by TheBusinessDesk.com shows that the entire group is doing something very right. It’s a testament to the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, from the people tending the plants to the teams planning the future. This business award isn't just a trophy for a shelf; it's recognition that the company is a leader in its field, not just in the garden world but in the wider business community too.

A word from the boss

Of course, the people running the show are chuffed. The group’s MD, Mark Farnsworth, had some thoughts to share about the achievement. He said:

“We’re proud to have reached the final of this prestigious award which recognises the Yorkshire businesses that are innovating, disrupting and thriving. We’re delighted that the judges were impressed by what they saw and heard when they visited in October, and we’re looking forward to pitching our finalist presentation in January.”

Hang on, 'innovating' and 'disrupting'? Those sound like words you’d hear about a tech company, not a garden centre. But that’s the point. This isn't your average plant shop. 'Innovating' could mean anything from creating amazing family-friendly cafes and play areas to hosting community events that bring people together. 'Disrupting' the market means they’re changing the game, making other garden centres look at what they’re doing and think, "Right, we need to up our game." The fact that the judges were impressed back in October suggests they saw this forward-thinking approach first-hand. Now, all eyes are on the final presentation in January, where the team will make their last pitch for the big business award.

What are the judges looking for?

It’s not all about the money. While a successful business needs to be making a profit, the judges for the Large Business of the Year award are looking for more than just a healthy bank balance. They want to see a company with a story, a business that's making a positive mark on the region.

A spokesperson for TheBusinessDesk.com put it perfectly:

“The Large Business award will go to one of the region’s strong success stories that is really setting the pace. The winning business will have outstanding financials but will also have a great story to tell and be making a significant impact in the region.”

So, it’s about heart and soul as much as it is about sales figures. They’re looking for a Yorkshire champion, a company that represents the spirit of the county – strong, successful, and with a great story to share. The journey for this garden centre group from Bradford has clearly caught their attention.

Who are they up against?

The competition is fierce. Yorkshire Garden Centres is in a category filled with some seriously big names. Being on the same list as these companies is an achievement in itself. They are facing off against some major players in the business world. The other finalists for the Large Business of the Year award are:

• Adler & Allan
• FMG
• Keepmoat
• NG Bailey
• Polypipe Building Products
• Zenith

That’s a tough line-up. These companies operate in everything from construction to environmental services. For a garden centre group to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with industrial giants like Keepmoat and Polypipe Building Products just shows how much they've grown and the incredible work they've been doing. It proves that a business focused on something as lovely as a garden can compete at the highest level.

The big night in Leeds

So, when will everyone find out who won? The big reveal is set for a fancy awards ceremony and gala dinner. Mark your calendars for February 19th. The whole thing is happening at New Dock Hall in Leeds, where business leaders from all over Yorkshire will gather to celebrate the region's successes. It’s bound to be a tense but exciting night for Mark Farnsworth and the team from Yorkshire Garden Centres. After all their work on innovating their business and impressing the judges, it all comes down to this one evening. Will the Bradford-based group take home the top prize? Everyone will be waiting with bated breath to see if their story of growth and community impact wins the day.