Eaton Smith LLP is delighted to announce that Ruddi’s Retreat has been named the latest winner of the Business of the Month Award.

Based in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, Ruddi’s Retreat is a registered charity dedicated to supporting families facing the challenges of childhood cancer, life limiting illness and bereavement.  Established in 2012, the charity was founded following the experience of Ruddi Waterworth‑Jones and his family, whose journey inspired the creation of an organisation offering free respite breaks to families during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Ruddi’s Retreat provides families with much‑needed time away at its holiday retreats in Filey and Blackpool, offering supportive, welcoming environments where families can rest, reconnect and create lasting memories. Since its formation, the charity’s five caravans have supported more than 4,000 families from Kirklees and beyond, making a meaningful and lasting difference when support is needed most.

Alongside the charity, Ruddi’s Retreat operates Ruddi’s Café in the heart of Slaithwaite. The not‑for‑profit café serves seasonal lunches, homemade cakes, celebration cakes and catering for events and business lunches, with any surplus supporting the charity’s work. The café also plays an important community role, hosting regular groups such as the Chatty Café, which helps tackle loneliness and brings local people together.

The judging panel was particularly impressed by Ruddi’s Retreat’s deep community impact, its long‑standing commitment to supporting families through extremely challenging circumstances, and the way it has grown while staying true to its core mission. The charity’s ability to combine compassionate support with strong community engagement was highlighted as a key reason for its selection as this month’s winner.

Ruddi’s Retreat is supported by a dedicated team, including its founders, a trustee board and a group of committed volunteers. The café employs local staff and also provides volunteering opportunities for adults with additional needs, further strengthening the charity’s inclusive and community‑focused approach.

The charity has received several notable accolades in recognition of its work, including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, a Radio Leeds Inspirational Individual of the Year Award, and a recent Smiley Award for its charity video, reflecting the positive impact it continues to have on families and the wider community.

Ben Jackson, Partner at Eaton Smith and Chair of the judging panel, commented:

“Ruddi’s Retreat is an extraordinary organisation that demonstrates the very best of community spirit, compassion and dedication. The difference they make to families going through incredibly difficult times is truly remarkable, and the judges were unanimous in recognising them as a very deserving winner of this award.”

Vicki Green, representing Ruddi’s Retreat, said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely honoured to have been chosen as Eaton Smith’s ‘Business of the Month’. We’d like to thank the judges for recognising and supporting the special work that we do and we can’t wait to celebrate with all the other wonderful businesses that have won throughout the year at the Business of the Year Award.”

As the Business of the Month winner, Ruddi’s Retreat will now be considered for Eaton Smith’s prestigious Business of the Year Award, which celebrates outstanding organisations across the region.

Ben Jackson (Eaton Smith Solicitors) was joined on the judging panel by Ant Milnes (Leornard Curtis), Emma Sinfield (Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce) and Annie Bradley (Department for Business and Trade).

About the Business of the Month Award

Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award celebrates outstanding businesses across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. Each month, a panel of judges selects a business that demonstrates excellence in areas such as innovation, community impact and overall business success. Monthly winners are automatically shortlisted for the annual Business of the Year Award.

For more information or to apply, please visit www.businessofthemonth.co.uk.