IRC confirms Westminster for Best Small Shops competition reception

The Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) have confirmed the Best Small Shops competition reception will be held in the Houses of Parliament later this year.

The Best Small Shops competition, celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK's High Streets and the central role they play in their local community. Retailers are being invited to submit their entries for the competition online by sharing what makes their shop unique.

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.

So far there have been entries from all types of retailers in the UK, from bookshops to beauty salons but the IRC are calling on even more small businesses to get involved. As well as being entered into the competition, every shop will also be given a free promotional listing on the Indie Retail find a shop search, increasing their online presence and giving them a chance to reach thousands more customers.

The competition will close on 9th 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 established representatives from the independent retail industry. These retailers will be invited to attend the competition reception at the Houses of Parliament, supported by the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group (APPSSG), in autumn 2018 where they will have the opportunity to meet with MP's, trade representatives and other shortlisted independent retailers before the winner is 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.
  

Useful links

• Find a shop
  
• Best Small Shops competition
  
• Jobs board
  

If you have any other queries please contact us.