Shed One, a small batch craft gin producer and award-winning visitor attraction on the edge of the Lake District has taken home another prestigious award at this year’s North West Family Business Awards 2023.
Organised by The Family Business Community, the North West Family Business Awards ceremony soared to new heights in front of their biggest ever audience at the Concorde Conference Centre, Manchester Airport on Friday 19th May.
Shed One, named as a finalist earlier this year, was announced as the winner of the ‘Equality, Diversity & Inclusion’ category on the night. Co-owner and founder, Andy Arnold-Bennett received the award from renowned food and drink writer and presenter, Nigel Barden.
Judges said: “This winning family business understands their audience, they are looking to develop and diversify whilst staying true to their values. They are the true alchemists of their industry ensuring that everything they do, every interview they give, and every customer they meet, results in a truly memorable, personalised experience.”
The ‘Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Family Business’ category reflects how vitally important it is for family businesses to create conditions where diversity is valued and equality promoted, reinforcing an inclusive culture in the workplace. Judges were looking for businesses whose actions have made a real difference to people and where there is a real sense of belonging for all.
On receiving the award, Andy said: “As a small business, we’ve always been very people and planet aware and take great care and pride in treating every guest who comes into The Shed with the same respect and openness. We always value feedback and have made changes to The Shed to make sure our guests, regardless of their ability, are fully able to enjoy our range of experiences including our ‘make your own gin experiences.’ Our most recent initiative is our updated tasting and information notes and through Vision Support, Barrow and the RNIB we now provide Braille sheets.
“We’re really pleased to pick up this award as it’s always a privilege to have our efforts recognised by our peers.”
Some of the most distinguished names within the North West family business world including entrepreneurs, industry experts and leaders all came together to recognise the achievements of the region’s most innovative and successful family businesses.
Andy added: “We’re also very grateful for the support we’ve received from the Family Business Community who have helped us take a step back and look at what we’ve achieved since we moved to our new distillery and opened to visitors four years ago. And they also know how to hold a great event! Roll on 2024!”
Co-founders of The North West Family Business Awards, Dave Clarkson & Sue Howorth, said: “We always want to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees, and bringing the awards back to Manchester again added an extra layer of magic to the occasion. The turnout was our largest to date and felt a fantastic energy in the room, which was incredible. We’re so grateful to everyone who come out to support the awards and recognise the hard work and dedication of our North West family businesses. It was truly an unforgettable night for everyone in the room!”
For more information about the awards and the full list of 2023 winners, visit: https://www.northwestfamilybusinessawards.co.uk.
Shed One produces an array of premium, London Dry gins, gin liqueurs, and gin jelly marmalade from a former old calf shed in Ulverston. They have also recently produced their first foraged botanical vodka and have more in development this year. The award-winning visitor attraction hosts distillery tours and gin tastings, Afternoon G&Teas, intimate weddings and gin elopements, and a wide range of gin-based experiences. As well as their popular Gin School, they also invite local artisans to host their own events like herbal wellness, candle-making, and needle felting.
