PICTURE GALLERY: Indie Stores lead Rotherham’s revival as Retail Awards winners are announced

Launched on ‘Independents Day’ — July 4 — the awards are a joint initiative between Rotherham Council and the Advertiser to help showcase the range of businesses to encourage people to shop locally.

Shortlisted businesses in the four Shoppers’ Choice awards were selected by customers who ensured they received the most votes by naming them either online or through cut-out coupons in the Advertiser.

Businesses also nominated themselves for the Customer Service Awards and an independent panel, including Dianne Wainwright from The Source Retail Skills Academy, carried out mystery shops, assessing everything from product knowledge and staff helpfulness to store layout and presentation.

Advertiser editor Andrew Mosley and Regional Media Ltd managing director Richard Carey presented prizes alongside the council’s Bernadette Rushton and Catherine Davis, markets manager Dean Thurlow, Louise Whittaker of Santander and Dianne Wainwright.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, held at Kebabish in Wellgate, Mr Mosley said: “Rotherham has taken a lot of stick in the media over the past year but all through that the redevelopment of the town centre has shone through as a beacon of positivity.

“The new shops on the High Street offer a much different shopping experience to the big retail parks and link up nicely with the Minster and All Saints’ Square, then further down the town new businesses, alongside Tesco, have opened up following the football club moving back into Rotherham.

“We thought all this was worth celebrating and the awards seemed the ideal way to do this.”

Bernadette Rushton, retail investment manager at the council, said: “Growing our independent retailers has been part of the strategy for improving the overall shopping offer and it is clear from the feedback from residents as part of the #loveRotherham campaign that people value the quality unique businesses in the town centre.

“Alongside some fantastic long-established businesses, we’ve been pleased to see so many new niche retailers opening over recent years and collectively they are giving shoppers a reason to choose Rotherham. This campaign has been a great way to celebrate everything that people love about our town.”

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet member for the local economy, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many businesses from across the town centre recognised in the awards.

“It’s thanks to their continued hard work, the great range of quality products they offer and the excellent customer service that people are shopping locally.

“I’m delighted that Rotherham residents took the time to vote for their favourite businesses and would like to thank all those retailers that put themselves forward to be mystery shopped. Congratulations to all involved.”

Last week readers Bev Pepperdine and Lisa Maltby received our readers’ prizes after joining hundreds of others in entering our 2015 Retailer Awards and telling judges about their favourite town centre businesses.

FOOD AND DRINK

WINNER: Miele Deli is run by husband and wife duo Andrew and Franca Pinkney. They opened the delicatessen in 2014 and offer authentic Italian meats, cheeses, olives, oils, pastas and dried goods as well as freshly baked breads and pastries to eat in or takeaway.

Franca said: “We were looking for somewhere to set up and people said Rotherham was being rejuvenated and we thought it was great. It’s lovely to see everyone working together here.”

Andrew added: “We said it would be fabulous if we had a town of independents and that is kind of coming together.”

Runners-up: Sophisticakes, Fitzwilliam & Hughes.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

WINNERS: Abbey Pharmacy, La Bella Lingerie. Runner-up: The Makers’ Emporium. Pictured with Advertiser editor Andrew Mosley, Dianne Wainwright from The Source and Santander branch director Louise Whittaker

SHINING STAR AWARDS

WINNER: Sally Porter of Abbey Pharmacy runs the business with husband Andrew and has faced many challenges, not least the 2011 fire which saw the business closed.

Since the total refurb, they have won national awards including Pharmacy Business of the Year. Sally also works closely with Dementia Friends, championing others to make their own shop as dementia friendly as possible.

Andrew said: “We have had the business for ten years today and couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present.

“The day of the fire was the worst day but it turned out to be one of the best things that happened. We had a blank canvas and it gave us a good kick up the backside.”

Sally added: “It gave us the strength to dedicate ourselves to healthcare and we moved from a very traditional retail focus to a primarily healthcare focus.”

The couple said dedicated staff with 160-170 years experience were to thank for their customer service award.

WINNER: Shannon Swift joined The Makers’ Emporium just before it opened in April 2014 and worked as a retail apprentice achieving her NVQ Level 2 qualification.

Now deputy manager and helping new apprentices start their own career, Shannon (19) said: “We have worked really hard on our customer service to maintain high standards. We always try to be personable and greet customers and make them feel welcome.

“New shops are opening up so when people come into town they see this and the High Street is becoming more popular due to word of mouth.”

Shannon is pictured with Bernadette Rushton from RMBC and Regional Media Ltd’s Jamie Ollivent.

BEST INDEPENDENT

WINNER: La Bella Lingerie opened in 2014 in the town’s third pop up shop — beating stiff competition for the Portas Pilot funded test-trading opportunity. Karen Carr, who gave up her teaching career to realise her retail dream, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won two of the Retailer Awards. As winner of Independent Retailer it goes to show that the public are keen to support new businesses in the town centre and for this I am very grateful. Winning the Outstanding Customer Service Award is a testimony to the personal service that people are looking for and appreciate.

“It was great to hear the feedback from the mystery shopper. Hearing that gives you the confidence that you are dealing with customers in the right manner and fulfilling their needs. All this is helping to improve the reputation of Rotherham town centre.”

Runners-up: Mesmerize, Patchwork Pig, The Makers’ Emporium.

BEST HAIR AND BEAUTY

WINNER: Salon31 was opened by Joanne Harrison in Wellgate in September 2014 and prides itself on offering a first-class service in all aspects of hairdressing including balayage, extensions, up-dos and highlights.

Runners-up: Kuttin Kru, Chrysalis Beauty Clinic, Cutthroats Barber Shop.

MARKET TRADER

WINNER: Ellis’ Fruit & Veg is a local family run greengrocers which has been established for over 65 years through three generations of the same family. Operating on the outdoor covered market since its opening, father and son Steve and Luke Ellis also trade on Tuesday’s award winning street market and have launched a successful free-delivery service.

Steve said: “Luke promotes us on Facebook and that has had a massive impact, especially on our home delivery orders.

“This business has been in my family for 65 years, when my mum and dad traded in the old market in Domine Lane. Over 20 years ago my brother asked me to help him for a week and I’m still here. The hours are long and it’s hard work but it’s a way of life. To get this award is mind-blowing.”

Runners-up: KD Davis & Sons Fruit & Veg, Joe’s Fresh Meats Ltd.