Wolds farmer's premium beef company in running for award

A Yorkshire specialist beef business with its sights set on becoming the predominant UK producer of premium wagyu beef has reached the final of one of Hull and East Yorkshire's biggest business awards.

Fending off strong competition to make the shortlist,The Yorkshire Wagyu Companyis a finalist in the Small Business of the Year category of theHull Daily MailBusiness Awards 2017.

The Driffield based firm rearsgrass-fed wagyu beef and has already established a firm following amongconsumers, retailers and restaurateurs in the region and beyond.

The other finalist in the category that is sponsored by accountants Smailes Goldie, is GW Power-Safe,a Hull based electrical and mechanical engineering firm.

Business founder Jonathan Shepherd said: "We're thrilled to be included in the final of this prestigious award as it gives us a good platform to promote what we do. As a small business in a growing niche sector, this nomination is very encouraging.

The Small Business of the Year category recognises growing companies that employ fewer than 25 staff members with long term plans and a company strategy in place.

Now in its 17th year, the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards shine a light on successful firms, organisations and individuals across the region. The winners will be announced by entrepreneur and TV personality Dave Fishwick during a ceremony on November 16 at the KCOM stadium.

The Yorkshire Wagyu Company sells its beef through selected restaurants, butchers, independent retailer and online at www.yorkshirewagyucompany.co.uk

Ends

Photo:Jonathan and Juli Shepherd Jonathan and Juli Shepherd

For more information or to arrange an interview with Jonathan Shepherd, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on:

Direct line: 01430 871360

Mobile: 07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. For more information about The Yorkshire Wagyu Company, please visitwww.yorkshirewagyucompany.co.uk.

2. To keep up to date with news and events from The Yorkshire Wagyu Company on social media follow the company onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram, and read theirnews online.

3. The Yorkshire Wagyu Company's Wagyu Cross and Wagyu full-blood herd feed on home-grown fertiliser-free forage, and are nurtured for over two years. The meat is then hung for 21 days to improve the flavour.

4. To find out where Yorkshire Wagyu is available, clickhere, and you can view theshop online.

5. The Yorkshire Wagyu Company was recognised in the Great Taste Awards 2017 for its 100 per cent Yorkshire Wagyu chuck steaks, for which it won two stars.It is the second two-star award from Great Taste received by The Yorkshire Wagyu Company following a two-star award for their minced wagyu pie in 2016.

6. The company recently triumphed at the Food and Drink Federation Awards, after being crowned winners in theRegional Growth Business category for Northern and Central England.

7. For more information about the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards, visitwww.hulldailymail.co.uk/all-about/business-awards.