Supporting our family-friendly business community
Ilkley BID is continuing its partnership with the Yorkshire Tots to Teens Awards, co-sponsoring the event for a second consecutive year. Delivered under our Discover Ilkley brand, this collaboration is a key part of our strategy to position Ilkley as a premier destination for families and to support our local hospitality and leisure businesses.
Overcoming the “Busy Parent” Challenge
Yorkshire Tots to Teens, founded by Erin Ek Rush, is a powerful online community with over 40,000 followers. By partnering with this platform, Ilkley BID taps into a highly engaged audience of parents looking for authentic recommendations.
The awards celebrate the businesses that make family life special—from cosy cafés to outdoor adventure spots—giving our local members a regional stage to showcase their excellence.
Why This Matters for Ilkley
Our involvement in these awards drives tangible benefits for the town:
- Increased Footfall: By highlighting Ilkley’s family-friendly credentials, we attract visitors from across the region.
- Business Exposure: Nominated businesses receive significant PR, social media coverage, and regional recognition.
- Proven Success: Last year, Ilkley’s own The Little Calf was named Best Family-Friendly Café, proving that our local businesses can compete and win at a regional level.
The marketing for this campaign involved a multi-channel approach to ensure maximum engagement across the district. Activity included:
- Local Press Engagement: A dedicated press release was issued to local outlets, such as the Ilkley Gazette and Your Ilkley, to raise awareness and encourage residents to champion their favourite local businesses.
- Social Media Campaign: Extensive promotion across the Discover Ilkley social media platforms, featuring direct calls to action for nominations and voting, as well as spotlights on previous winners like The Little Calf.
- Digital Outreach: Inclusion in the Discover Ilkley e-newsletters and prominent placement on the website to keep the awards at the forefront of the community’s mind throughout the campaign period.
Nominations close on 2nd March 2026
