The Galley on course for awards success after being nominated by customers in Amble

The Galley, which has branches in Amble and Alnwick, is nominated for a Town and County Business Champions accolade.

They now have the opportunity to be crowned local or even regional champions.

James Leighton, who helps run the family business, said: “We got contacted by The Town and County Business champion committee late last year saying that The Galley had been nominated by a number of our customers as a Northumberland business champion and asked if we would like to partake in the judging for the award. Of course I jumped on it straight away and was flattered that we had been nominated for a great award.

"I submitted my entry in December to be considered for the award of town champion by the panel. After a couple of months, yesterday I got word from the awards committee saying that the panel has picked us as a finalist in the county championship as a successful business growing in Northumberland.

"We have been invited to the awards ceremony down in Liverpool on July 14. I was overwhelmed when I got the news, it’s a credit to all of us to even make the final.”

The Galley, already a success on Queen Street in Amble, moved into the former Trotters bakery on Bondgate Within in February with the creation of six new jobs.

Despite lockdown, James has been encouraged by trading over the first two months.

“Alnwick is doing great and going from strength to strength,” he said. “We are starting to see the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel now and look forward to a very busy summer.”

The Town & County Business Champions 2021 awards have been launched to highlight the achievements of the UK’s very best micro and small businesses who are keeping community spirit alive in their local area.

The awards are aimed at any businesses with up to 50 employees, including hairdressers, cafes, accountants, solicitors and graphic designers.

The regional finals will produce champions at both town and county levels and businesses will only be in competition with other firms from their area.

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