The website may have crashed, but fortunately, plenty of votes still got through for the Muddy Stilettos county awards, voted for by the public, with gift retailers triumphing.
No14 Ampthill, Highworth Emporium, Little Boat Gifts, The Costwold Snug and Rock Paper Scissors were just five of the gift retailers to come out on top after a public vote for the annual awards for independent businesses – with an astonishing 77,000 nominated and 800,000 votes cast.
At No14 Ampthill, owner Jo Barber admitted: “We were a bit worried because the voting system went down on the last day, when we were just ahead – but we did it! Best Lifestyle Store in Herts & Beds! The award is made up purely from customer votes, not a judging panel, and that’s why it means so much – not just to me, but to everyone in the shop who work so hard, often above and beyond what’s expected. This award is for everyone who shops with us, supplies us, supports us and follows us. I’m chuffed to bits!”
At Highworth Emporium in Highworth, co-owner Aga Marsden exclaimed: “Wow! We’re still in disbelief! When we found out we were in the Muddy Stilettos final we genuinely didn’t think we had a chance, and here we are – Best Lifestyle Store in Wiltshire!
“We have won awards in the past, but this award feels particularly special as it comes from our customers and friends. Also, a special thank you from me and Richard to the team of Amber, Loraine, Vicky and Emily who make the Emporium a very special place.”
Over in Brightlingsea, Little Boat Gifts co-owner Olivia Reilly has already been named one of 2023’s top 100 female entrepreneurs in a campaign run by Small Business Britain, and now she can add Best Lifestyle Store In Essex to her haul.
Olivia, who runs the gift, greeting and framing store with her husband, Pete Reilly, said: “It really means a lot knowing that we made it through because of all the support we’ve had from our lovely customers!”
At not quite two years old, Moreton-In-Marsh’s The Cotswold Snug was named the Best Lifestyle Store in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. “Since opening our doors almost two years ago we’ve been overwhelmed by the support we have received,” enthused owner Melissa Blundell. “Winning this award has been the icing on the cake.”
Also just a couple of years old is Rock Paper Scissors, a lifestyle shop and print studio founded by cousins Liz Wellstead and Charlie Wilkie in Canterbury after deciding on a life change following the pandemic.
“Tuesday 13 June was full of surprises,” commented Liz and Charlie. “We won the Best Lifestyle Store in Kent for Muddy Stilettos, and then heard we’re through to the finals for the Best Start-up Canterbury Kent Business Awards. We’re going to do the lottery on Friday, you never know!”
Covering 28 counties across 19 areas, the winners were announced on Tuesday 13 June. All winning retailers now go through to the nationals, where the finalists will be revealed in a few weeks’ time.
Muddy Stilettos founder Hero Brown said: “For a whole decade we’ve helped to promote plucky local businesses and high streets by championing originality, creativity and quality on our website and in our awards.”
The full list of county winners can be found here.
Top: Aga Marsden, co-owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth, is shown celebrating with her staff.
