Independent business celebrated at new awards
Independent companies have been recognised in the first of a new business awards.
The winners came from across Stafford, Eccleshall and surrounding villages in the first ever Small Business Awards run by Stafford MP Leigh Ingham.
Swimwell was named overall business of the year after winning the leisure category.
It was founded in 2014 by chief executive Julie Hand who began by delivering swimming lessons a couple hours a day in a small private pool but has since grown the business to 15 staff who teach hundreds of children every week across Staffordshire.
Hosted at the Stafford College Institute of Technology, the awards brought together all 20 shortlisted businesses to recognise their achievements and celebrate their contribution to the local economy.
They were joined by Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, who met with finalists and presented awards.
Hundreds of residents nominated their favourite independents, with a panel of local business leaders selecting the winners.
The winners were:
Best Independent Retail - Studio Fresh Craft Hub
Best Café, Pub, Bar or Restaurant - Monk and Smuggler
Beauty, Lifestyle, Leisure or Wellbeing - Swimwell
Best Service Business - The Pooch Pad
Best New Business - That Little Bookshop
Town Centre Business - Studio Fresh
Business of the Year - Swimwell
Ms Ingham said: "This year's winners show just how much talent, passion and dedication we have across Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages.
"The response from residents was incredible, with hundreds of nominations highlighting how much people value our local independents.
"A huge thank you to all the shortlisted businesses, everyone who took the time to nominate a business, and of course the incredible panel of business leaders who judged the awards.
"Our independent businesses keep our high streets vibrant and play such a vital role in our local economy. I'm proud to celebrate them and will keep working to make sure they can thrive."
Mr McDougall added: "Small businesses sit at the heart of our communities, creating jobs, attracting investment, and boosting local economies, and it's important we celebrate their vital contribution.
"Through our Plan for Small Business we are supporting small businesses all the way, with decisive action to tackle late payments, boosting access to finance and cutting red tape for high streets."
