BETA Awards 2019 - What is it like to be a winner?
The Saddle Bank recently had the pleasure of attending the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) 2019 Business awards, and was extremely proud to win the TSM Social Media Award!
Below we will discuss all things BETA Awards, and what it's like to be a winner!
What are the BETA Awards?
BETA also known as the British Equestrian Trade Association, present business awards each year to celebrate the success and service offered by various businesses, and employees across the Equestrian Industry.
Where are the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) awards held?
The BETA awards were held on 21st January 2019 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.
What were the award categories?
- SEIB Retailer of the Year
- Equine Careers Sales Rep of the Year
- TSM Social Media Excellence Award
- Henson Franklyn Equestrian Event of the Year
- Weatherbeeta Retail Employee of the Year
- Ceris Burns Export Award
- Stubbs England Nutritional helpline of the Year
- Trade Supplier of the Year
- Sponsored Rider of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
What happens at the BETA awards?
Arrival at the BETA Awards
Upon arrival at the National Motorcycle Museum, guests are presented with a drinks reception where you can have a glass of fizz and mingle with fellow Equestrian business owners and employees.
At 8pm, guests are welcomed into the main room, where around 25 tables are laid out with red, white, and blue candles on each table - very British and very BETA.
In the centre of each table is a Breyer model horse surrounded by foliage. This is perfect centre piece for an Equestrian event.
The awards evening kicked off with the presentation of around 5 or 6 awards.
The Saddle Bank - WE WON!
The final award before dinner was the TSM Social Media Award. Our table was right at the front of the room, just in front of the stage. They called out the winner, The Saddle Bank! I was in shock and disbelief!
Being so grateful to be finalist I certainly did not expect to win. I shuffled up on the stage, pulling my dress down in preparation for the photographer, and thanked Tim Smith, owner of TSM Marketing and PR, the company sponsoring the award. I was handed a glass award engraved with details of the award, and our name on it; The Saddle Bank. Tim and I, then had our photograph taken, holding the award, certificate and bottle of Champagne.
Dinner is served
Dinner was then served. The starter was a pumpkin, and cauliflower soup, with bread rolls. We then had a delicious steak and ale pie, complimented with roast potatoes, vegetables and a slice of beef. To finish, we had a lovely chocolate desert with a hidden strawberry at the bottom. Although admittedly my dinner had gone cold, and they began clearing the table before I had even finished half my plate! Too much talking and not enough eating! I had the pleasure of sitting with Charlie from Treehouse Sporting Colours, Liz from Shetland Pony Club, and Tim and Isobel from TSM.
After dinner, it is back to presentation of the last few awards, which concluded with the Lifetime Achievement award being presented to Mark Romain, Master Saddler.
Once the awards were over, the dance floor was opened, and photo booth's ready!
Overall the BETA awards were a fantastic evening, and one I will look forward to attending in the future.
The Winners
- SEIB Retailer of the Year - Retail Store - Ride Away
- SEIB Retailer of the Year - Online Store - GS Equestrian
- Equine Careers Sales Rep of the Year - Anna Bing of Saddlery Brands International
- TSM Social Media Excellence Award - Under 20 hours per week - Treehouse Sporting Colours
- TSM Social Media Excellence Award - Over 20 hours per week - The Saddle Bank
- Henson Franklyn Equestrian Event of the Year - Olympia Horse Show
- Weatherbeeta Retail Employee of the Year - Jennifer Mitchell of David Conchie Saddlery
- Ceris Burns Export Award - Science Supplements
- Stubbs England Nutritional helpline of the Year - Allen & Page
- Trade Supplier of the Year - Shires Equestrian Products
- Sponsored Rider of the Year - David Britnell
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Mark Romain
