More Greats finalists have been sharing their reactions with GiftsandHome.net as the news sinks in that their shops are in the running for a trophy at The Gift Awards in May.
“We are so delighted to be finalists for Best Newcomer!” enthused Craig Forrest, co-owner of Barley Mow in Faversham. “A year ago, when we started this journey, we could never anticipate the support of our local community contributing to what we think has been a successful year. We look forward to many more years at Barley Mow, putting some of the most fantastic brands in front of the people of Faversham.”
Also thrilled to be a finalist is Becky Ridgway, owner of Blossom Barn in Fairford and Shrivenham. “We’re so happy to have made it through to the finals!” exclaimed Becky. “What a huge compliment. We love what we do so it’s brilliant that others think we do a good job too.”
Added Sally Swift, owner of Cards & Moor in Yelverton: “I had to read the email a few times to make sure I’d understood it correctly as I was not expecting that!! We’re so very thrilled to be a Greats finalist. It makes all our hard work worthwhile.”
Highlighted Anna Jeyes at Jeyes of Earls Barton: “Amazing news! We’re all over the moon. What a fantastic achievement to be in the finals. We’ve been sharing the news with our customers and are looking forward to attending the glitzy awards ceremony in May!”
Louse Burton, owner of Country Clutter in Chepstow, enthused: “Absolutely over the moon!”, while Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards, which has seven stores in the Home Counties, added: Brilliant to be nominated and to be among such great retailers from around the country.”
Also thrilled was Claire Bevan, head of retail and customer contact at London’s Natural History Museum. “What an honour it is to be a finalist at this year’s Greats Gift Retailer Awards!” stated Claire. “2024 was a wonderful year for the Museum Shop. From our exhibition gifts to the fabulous Christmas range and knitwear, this nomination is a testament to the tremendous amount of work our teams put in daily to ensure its success.”
Meanwhile, the team from The Mains of Drum Garden Centre in Banchory, were literally jumping for joy. “We are so excited to have been selected as a finalist. We are beyond delighted!” said assistant manager Alice MacDonald.
All Greats winners, including the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement award, will be revealed at The Gift Awards on Thursday 15 May at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. This incredible event will, once again, bring together The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards and The Greats gift retailer awards, organised and owned by Max Publishing, publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net.
At the glittering event, both gift product excellence and retail prowess will be recognised and rewarded in a true celebration of both sides of the UK gift industry.
The Greats 2025 finalists can be viewed HERE.
The Gift of the Year 2025 finalists have already been announced and can be viewed HERE.
Hyve Group, organiser of Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, GLEE and Source Home & Gift (among other exhibitions) is the headline sponsor of The Gift Awards. Other leading names in the impressive line-up of sponsors include: Allsorted, Autumn Fair, BATF, Candlelight, Cardgains, Carte Blanche Greetings, Cereria Molla, DKB Toys & Distribution, FYG, Gift Republic, Gisela Graham, Good Results, Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, Letterbox Love, Life Charms, London Stationery Show, Messe Frankfurt, N Smith and Co, Progressive Greetings Live, Scotland’s Trade Fair/Springboard Events, Source Home & Gift, Spring Fair, Talking Tables and Trade Counter Distribution.
Tickets and tables for the awards can be booked via the Max Publishing digital box office event at Max-Tickets.net, or by contacting event organiser Createvents: clare@createvents.co.uk or 0118 334 0085.
To find out more about The Gift Awards and book tickets, visit www.thegiftawards.com; www.thegreatsawards.co.uk
Top: Big smiles from Pip, Anna and Georgina Jeyes (centre), who are shown celebrating the news that Jeyes of Earls Barton has reached the finals of The Greats Awards 2025.
