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Independent shops better than big retailers at surviving COVID in the UK

1 May 2024

Small shops have been more "agile" at fighting COVID sale slumps than chain stores, according to a new report.
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Bike shops and cyclists alike urged to gear up to take advantage of Local Bike Shop Day 2024

30 Apr 2024

The UK’s estimated 7.6 million cyclists are being urged to get on their bikes on Saturday May 4th and head down to their local independent bike shop, as many prepare special activities to... Read more…

Peterborough store selling solely local products looks to expand.

29 Apr 2024

A Peterborough store stocking products solely from local entrepreneurs said it is bucking the High Street trend and looking to expand due to its success.
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BIRA launches ‘High Street Matters’ podcast for independent retailers

29 Apr 2024

BIRA is giving independent businesses across the UK a powerful new resource with the launch of its “High Street Matters” podcast.
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Tesco accused of undercutting local shops via its wholesale business.

29 Apr 2024

The Guardian has reported independent shopkeepers saying prices they pay at Tesco’s cash-and-carry arm Booker are often higher than in Tesco’s stores.
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Get ready to celebrate independent Record Store Day

18 Apr 2024

Independent record stores around the country are preparing to celebrate all things vinyl for this year’s Record Store Day on Saturday April 20th. 
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Indies encouraged to put themselves forward for Retail Business of the Year award.

18 Apr 2024

BIRA, the British Independent Retailers Association, has announced its partnership with this year’s SME National Business Awards., joining the 2024 awards as a leading sponsor, backing... Read more…

Family-run Polesworth fish and chip shop celebrates 40 years in business with half-price chips.

18 Apr 2024

A Midlands fish and chip shop is celebrating 40 years in business and offering half-price chips to mark the milestone.
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Assault of shop workers to be made specific criminal offence

18 Apr 2024

Assaulting a shop worker is to be made a separate criminal offence in England and Wales as part of a government response to a wave of retail crime. 
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New stores helping Cardiff arcades buck retail trends.

18 Apr 2024

Eleven new businesses that have opened in the last year in the historic arcades of Cardiff city centre’s Morgan Quarter, made up of the Morgan and Royal arcades, have helped the arcades... Read more…

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Best Small Shops competition returns for 2018

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News, Creative News, Outdoor News

The Best Small Shops competition, managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK's High Streets and the central role they play in their local community.

The search for the best small shop in the UK launches on the 4th July 2018 to coincide with Independents' Day, the national campaign which celebrates and promotes the UK's independent retailers each year on 4th July.

After successful campaigns in 2011 and 2015 the competition is returning in 2018 and is set to be bigger and better than before.

The evolving retail landscape has witnessed numerous high-profile closures of larger stores, but specialist independent retailers can thrive in this climate by delivering a truly unique retail experience thanks to the passion, service, flexibility and knowledge they offer. The Best Small Shops competition is a chance to celebrate this unique industry and show customers what makes independent retailers so special.

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.

The competition will close in early September and 25 of the most impressive applications will be selected for a final shortlist which is submitted to a judging panel made up of key figures from the independent retail industry. These retailers will be invited to attend the competition reception in autumn 2018, where the winner will be awarded the title of Best Small Shop 2018.

In 2015 the shortlisted retailers attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament where they had the opportunity to meet with MP's, trade representatives and other shortlisted independent retailers before the winner, Hunters of Helmsley was announced.

To enter the 2018 competition applicants must showcase their innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and community ethos by submitting details of their business via the online application form.

Submit your entry

The entries for 2018's Best Small Shop competition are open now. To enter the competition you will need:

  • to be an independent retailer i.e. a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption, from a business rated premises in the UK.
  • to have a listing on the Indie Retail directory . If you don't already have a listing you can create one for free here.
  • to submit your entry by Sunday 9th September 2018.

Enter now at www.bestsmallshops.co.uk

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