A WEALTH of retail talent has been celebrated in the Love Local retail awards.
The awards to celebrate the top north Essex businesses, companies have joined forces with the Gazette and Essex County Council in order to celebrate homegrown retail talent.
The campaign aims to encourage Colchester residents to shop, eat, drink and visit local traders, providing positive effects such as supporting local businesses and pumping money back into the north Essex economy.
Entries closed in May and the winners are now in.
The awards were split into four categories: Best Local Garden Centre, Best Local Home Retailer, Best Local Fashion Retailer, Best Local Tech Retailer and Best Local Speciality Retailer.
The award for Best Local Garden Centre went to Blenheim Garden Centre, Bromley Road, Colchester.
Owner John Harris, who established the business on the Bromley Road more than 30 years ago, said: “Many of our customers have supported us since the start and have seen the business grow to what it is today.
"We are very grateful for their loyalty.”
The award for Best Local Speciality Retailer went to Oranges and Lemons café across the Essex border in East Bergholt.
New owner Sharon Willets said: “We are proud to be an important part of the village.
“The shop is full of fabulous and quirky gift ideas and the café is well known for its fantastic lunches and amazing cakes all cooked on the premises by the stellar kitchen team.
“We are grateful to customers for nominating and voting for us.”
The winner of Best Local Tech Retailer went to Currys in Stanway.
Acknowledging the award, manager Ashley Loxdale said: “Winning a local public voted competition really does mean a lot to myself and the rest of the management team In Colchester.
“It really does show that we help people enjoy amazing technology.”
The award for Best Local Home Retailer went to Neptune home store in Stanway.
On receiving the award, manager Liz Dalton said: “We are delighted to have received the award for Best Local Home Retailer.
"At Neptune Colchester we pride ourselves on continuously offering the best service and this recognition means a lot to the entire team.
“I speak for us all when I say thank you to everyone who nominated us. We have a strong team at Colchester and next time you’re passing we’d love you to pop in and see us.”
Keep your eyes peeled for next year’s awards with nominations due to begin in May.
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