The National Coal Mining Museum for England scooped the prestigious Business of the Year Award at the First Wakefield Business Awards. The First Wakefield Business Awards provide Wakefield’s thriving business community with a platform on which to showcase the districts outstanding success stories.

The National Coal Mining Museum fought off competition from Switalski’s Solicitors, Media Displays and ROK to scoop the coveted award. The award rounds off a fantastic year for the Museum which announced record visitor figures of over 129,000 in April and won the White Rose Award for Tourism Attraction of the Year (50,000 visitors and over) in September. The Museum will continue to drive forward in 2008 when it is hoped that it will represent Yorkshire at the national Enjoy England Awards.

The Museum’s idyllic location provides stunning views across the Yorkshire Countryside and is home to one of the most unique conferencing venues in the country. The Museum’s Caphouse Suite offers state of the art audio-visual technology and quality in house catering. Delegates can break the day up by taking a free underground tour with an ex-miner, delegates will be lowered 140m underground to enjoy a 1 hour tour of the pit.

If you’re looking for a unique team building exercise the Museum’s Adventure Day provides just that. You and your team are tasked with finding the lost treasure hidden by the mythical mine manager, Ebenezer Shrogg, at Caphouse Colliery. A series of clues are provided to your team, which take you above and below ground to help find the hidden treasure. The adventure day focuses on team building, problem solving and communication.

Richard Saward Commercial Director said: “It is great to have been recognised by the Wakefield business community. We look forward to representing Wakefield in the future and hope to continue to thrive in the vibrant Wakefield business community. ”

---Ends---


Editor’s Notes
• The Museum is open all year round from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm, except for 24 – 26 December and 1 January.
• Admission is free.
• The Museum is the 2007 White Rose Award Visitor Attraction of the Year (50,000 visitors and over).
• Free car and coach parking and complete disabled access.
• Children must be at least 5 to go on the underground tour. However, there is an indoor under-5s play area.
• Warm clothing and sensible shoes are recommended for the underground tour. Book your tour on arrival at the Museum. Demand for the tour is high at weekends and during school holidays, so try to arrive before midday.