Family of film-makers in running for top awards

A FAMILY-run Barnard Castle-based film production company is in the running for honours as part of a national awards scheme.
Howell Film, which operates from Enterprise House, on the Harmire Enterprise Park, has been shortlisted in five categories of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2021.
At the heart of the business are father and daughter Chris and Issy Howell, who are hoping to go one better than last year when they scooped runners-up honours.
The firm will be hoping for success in the National Family Business of the Year, Yorkshire and North Family Business of the Year, Ones to Watch, Small Family Business of the Year, and the People’s Choice categories.
Ms Howell said: “We’re excited to be representing the Barnard Castle community as a business proudly based here.”
The awards are scheduled to take place in June, but the format hasn’t been announced yet.
Last year, a virtual awards ceremony was staged – with the Howells providing the video content for organisers.
It turned out to be a doubled-edged sword for the company which, while delighted to help produce the online ceremony, discovered during filming they were not among the winners.
If the awards revert to a traditional ceremony, it will be staged in London.
The awards are organised by Family Business United, an organisation which offers support and shares best practice among family concerns of all sizes.
Ms Howell said: “Because we are a family business and one of the few family-run video production companies, the awards are a really good platform for us.
“We wanted to give it a go and help spread the message.
“It is a great way to network and show what we do as well as promote ourselves to the community we work within,” she added.
Howell Film moved into Enterprise House last year, having outgrown an office at Mr Howell’s home.
Many of the company’s clients are from County Durham and the Richmondshire area.
Film projects the company is currently involved in include working with caterer Guy Fairhurst, at Berry’s Farm Shop and Cafe, in Leyburn.
The Howells film Mr Fairhurst cooking with his young daughter for their Chef Bella Youtube channel, with new videos posted each week.