Seddon and Davison Shortlisted for Ilkley Business Awards!
We’re absolutely delighted to share that Seddon and Davison has been shortlisted for the Ilkley Business Awards in the ‘New Business’ category. Being recognised in our local community means a great deal to us, and we’re thrilled to be in the running alongside other fantastic Ilkley-based businesses.
The awards take place on Friday, March 7th, and we wish all those shortlisted the best of luck.
We’ve Come a Long Way… A Little Bit About Us
Husband and Wife Team – Small Family Business, Retail with a Big Heart
Seddon and Davison is led by wife-and-husband duo Kara Seddon and Mark Davison, whose shared love for wildlife photography, interiors, and high quality design has shaped the heart of their independent stores. What started with Mark’s award-winning photography has evolved into a carefully curated home interiors and gift store, celebrating craftsmanship and modern rustic design - with a ‘touch of glamour’.
Wildlife and Landscape Photography by Mark Davison
A keen photographer, Mark had previously won awards for his wildlife photography. Many of our most popular images are captured locally in Yorkshire, such as the well-loved ‘Peeking Owl’, taken on Addingham Moor or the ‘Hare’ captured on Silsden Moor.
Our Own Brand of Wildlife-Inspired British Homeware
Together, he and Kara went on to create their own range of homeware that celebrate British wildlife and bring a touch of nature into the home. These unique pieces feature well-loved animals from the British countryside, heritage colours and contemporary designs by Mark. The wildlife homeware collections include mugs, cushions, chef pads, oven gloves, greetings cards, and more.
Championing British manufacturing is central to what we do. Consequently, our own brand of British-made products are crafted in partnership with local manufacturers in Lancashire, Cheshire and Staffordshire.
A Destination for Homeware and Gifts in Ilkley
Drawn by Ilkley’s thriving independent retail scene and strong community, Kara and Mark opened their Ilkley store in August 2023. They also have a store in Settle, North Yorkshire, which they renovated alongside their home.
At Seddon and Davison, we carefully select homeware and gifts that balance exceptional quality, affordability, and craftsmanship. We also support other small businesses, independent makers, and sustainable brands, ensuring every piece tells a story.
Some of the brands we stock include:
- McNutt of Donegal – stunning Irish woven throws
- Sandwick Bay Candles – hand-poured artisan candles from Scotland
- Sheepskin Rugs – locally sourced British rare-breed or icelandic sheepskin rugs, hand-selected by Kara and Mark. Available in-store only.
Beyond the UK, we work with many other Fairtrade suppliers and artisans, promoting ethical and high-quality craftsmanship..
A Personalised Shopping Experience
We believe shopping should be inspiring, enjoyable, and tailored to you. In-store, we’ve created distinct areas and window displays inspired by carefully curated colour palettes, showing how different textures, ceramics, furniture, and soft furnishings can work together.
Our personalised approach was even highlighted in Discover Ilkley’s ‘Be Our Guest’ review (December 2024), where winner Sarah Hellewell shared:
“I told the owner about my colour scheme at home, and together we tried different combinations of [faux] flowers that worked well in terms of colour, shape, texture, and size. You can even bring in your own vase, and they’ll help you find the right arrangement for it. I ended up with the perfect bouquet.”
Since opening in Ilkley, we’ve re-launched our website, introduced a bi-monthly e-newsletter and a loyalty scheme to reward our valued customers. We’ve also taken part in high street initiatives like Independent’s Day, championing local shopping. Beyond retail, we’re proud to support community causes, including Andy’s Man Club and Ilkley Pride, alongside many others.
Thank You for Your Support!
Being shortlisted for the Ilkley Business Awards is a huge milestone, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our wonderful customers, community, and team. Thank you for making this journey so special!
We’re looking forward to celebrating with our fellow nominees on March 7th—wish us luck!
You can find Seddon and Davison at 1-3 The Grove Promenade in Ilkley or, alternatively, shop online right here.
