Small shopkeepers in Rye are being encouraged by local MP Amber Rudd to enter the Best Small Shops Competition, celebrating the creativity of small shops and the central role they play in their local community.
The Best Small Shops Competition is open to any small shop operating in the UK. The competition is free to enter and all shops who enter will also be promoted to consumers through an online Indie Retail Directory.
Shopkeepers can nominate their businesses until Sunday, September 9 via bestsmallshops.co.uk. A short list of 25 of the most impressive applications will be drawn up by a panel made up of established representatives from the independent retail industry.
The judges will be looking for evidence of small shops’ entrepreneurial spirit, ways that they have been innovative in their business and what they have done to have a lasting positive impact on their community.
The shortlisted small shops will be invited to a parliamentary reception on November 13 to meet their Member of Parliament and find out who will be crowned the Best Small Shop for 2018.
Speaking about the competition, Amber Rudd said: “In Rye and in Hastings we have some fantastic small shops and independent retailers who make our high streets so interesting and unique. I encourage all small shop owners to get involved with this competition, which we have a good chance of winning, due to the hard work and creativity of the people within our towns.”
Source: Best Small Shop competition
Photo: Best Small Shop competition and CSW Creations