Best Small Shops 2015

Chris and Christine Garnett, of Hunters of Helmsley

A North Yorkshire delicatessen has been named winner of this year’s Best Small Shops Competition.

The judges picked Hunters of Helmsley, owned by Chris and Christine Garnett, for its local sourcing, organisation of events to support their high street and their use of social media to engage customers.

Nisa Local, Toddington, Bedfordshire, was highly recommended as was The Main Street Trading Company, a combined bookshop and deli in St Boswells, Roxburghshire, in Scotland.

Shortlisted contenders descended on Parliament today where the winner was announced.

The judges said they were impressed with the volume and calibre of submissions.

“There is no doubt that independent retail is in the hands of creative, innovative, business-savvy individuals who are committed to making their local high street a better place,” they said.

Judging took place earlier this month and was based on the shops’ entrepreneurial activities, working with the community and innovation.

Twenty finalists were whittled down from more than 300 applications, including book shops, cycle traders, convenience stores, delicatessens and jewellers.

Convenience store finalists included Heath Stores, in Horsmonden, Kent and Ilsington Village Shop, in Devon.