MPs vote for UK's best small shops
PepsiCo UK & Ireland co-sponsor Small Shops Competition highlighting the importance of independent retailers.
10 November 2011
The Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have shown their support for the small shop sector by taking part in the second annual Parliamentary Small Shops' Competition – sponsored by PepsiCo UK & Ireland and PayPoint – and nominating the best small shop from their constituencies.
All of the nominees were invited to the finalists' House of Commons reception where the top three shops were announced on Wednesday 26th October.
The competition was founded by former Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops' Group (APPSSG; supported by the Independent Retailers Confederation), David Amess MP. In only its second year, the competition has attracted nominations from 76 MPs.
A selection of the best small shop finalists include:
- Chadlington Quality Foods (nominated by Prime Minister David Cameron and MP for Witney)
- Otley Village Store and Post Office (nominated by Dr. Dan Poulter MP, representing Central Suffolk & North Ipswich)
- Bradwell-on-Sea Community Shop (nominated by John Whittingdale OBE MP, representing Maldon)
Founder of the Parliamentary Best Small Shops Competition, David Amess MP, said:
"It has been a pleasure to hand on the baton of chairmanship of the APPSSG to Justin Tomlinson MP on the back of such a successful competition that has seen 76 MPs take part – including David Cameron and Nick Clegg – in supporting the small shops sector by celebrating the very best retailers from our constituencies.
"I look forward to seeing the competition grow year on year in popularity as Parliament recognises that economic growth lies in the hands of our SME sector."
The competition aims to positively promote the nation's most unique small shops that go above and beyond in supporting their local community and involves MPs nominating one shop from each constituency to be considered for the award, which will be presented in the Terrace Pavilion of the House of Commons.
Chair of the Independent Retailers' Confederation, Kenneth Parsons, said:
"The quality of the entries has been outstanding, with many retailers going to great lengths to support their community in many different ways. This competition really highlights how important it is that we do everything possible to help businesses like these to thrive, so they can continue to provide a focus for their local communities".
CEO of sponsor PayPoint, Seamus Smith, said:
"Small shops provide an essential service to their communities; we're supporting the competition so their talents and achievements are recognised and their voices heard among politicians and policymakers."
Impulse Sales Director of sponsor PepsiCo UK & Ireland, Jon Kyle, said;
"PepsiCo works closely with hundreds of independent retailers across the country every day. They are vital to the UK economy and should be recognised for the great work they do. These awards will showcase not only great leadership and management but the loyalty of both the staff and local communities that support these successful stores."
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