Online entries are now open for the Best Small Shop competition, which invites shops to showcase innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and community ethos. Twenty-five finalists will be invited to attend the competition reception in autumn 2018 where the winner, chosen by a panel of key figures in independent retail, will be announced. In 2015 the shortlisted retailers attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament where they had the opportunity to meet with MPs, trade representatives and other shortlisted independent retailers before the winner, Hunters of Helmsley, was announced.
Managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), and previously run in 2011 and 2015, the competition is open to any UK independent retailer defined as a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption rather than for resale, from a business rated premises in the UK.
To enter the competition you will need to have a listing on the Indie Retail directory. If you don’t already have a listing you can create one for free here. Enter by 9th September at www.bestsmallshops.co.uk