The winners have been announced for Ashton's Independent Business Awards 2021.
During May and June, Ashton Town Team was encouraging shoppers to nominate their favourite independent businesses for the Ashton Independent Business Awards 2021 sponsored by Bromleys Solicitors LLP.
Once the top three nominated businesses had been selected it was up to this year’s judges to select a winner in each category.
Judges for this year’s awards included Nigel Skinner (chair) editor at the Tameside Reporter, Ben Goodwin, the manager at Barclays Bank and returning judges Luke Mirfin from Tameside Markets and Jackie Moores, principal from Tameside College.
Tameside Reporter editor Nigel Skinner said: “It was an almost impossible task for the judges, with some fabulous nominations regarding levels of service and custom. But not least because so many independent businesses have gone above and beyond throughout this last year to take those services to another level on behalf of customers who needed them most.
“The winners truly deserve their accolades after much deliberating by the judges - but congratulations must go to all those nominated and gratitude to all their customers who took the time to nominate them for the awards.”
Jackie Moores returned for her second year on the panel and said: “I am very honoured to have been a judge for the Ashton Town Team Awards.
“It was a tough job to select winners in each category owing to the very high quality of the applications.
“I am proud to be a Tameside resident and to have access to great businesses in Ashton from a wide range of sectors.
“After a tough couple of years during the pandemic and having to move to online shopping, I am glad to be back to buying local from excellent suppliers and retailers. I hope all Tameside residents take the opportunity to send business to our ‘Town Team Winners’.
“As a college, we try wherever possible to use local suppliers to support the local economy in Tameside. #BuyLocal #ExcellenceOnYourDoorstep”
Tameside Markets’ Luke Mirfin was also pleased to be back on the judging panel, adding: “The Ashton Town Team Awards have shown what a quality and diverse range of local businesses are available in Ashton town centre. Well done to all businesses and thank you to you the shopper for shopping local and supporting our local businesses.”
Another newcomer to the panel for 2021 was Ben Goodwin.
Ben said: “It was amazing to be a part of these fantastic awards. It was incredible to hear about all the fantastic businesses that are spread right across Ashton town centre.
“It really highlights both the passion for local enterprise, but also what an amazing town Ashton is to visit.
“I really hope these awards will encourage more people to explore every part of Ashton!
“Congratulations to all the finalists, picking winners proved to be really difficult!”
Kevin Taylor, chair of Ashton Town Team, thanked the judges and sponsor Bromleys for their support and added: “Our small independent businesses have had a difficult 18 months and still face further challenges ahead.
“I encourage everyone to shop local where they can to support our town centres in Tameside because local traders appreciate every customer.”
Kevin was also delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Special Award from the Town Team.
“We are delighted that the Deputy Mayor Cllr Michael Glover, Civic Mayor Cllr Janet Cooper and Consort Mr Dennis Fitzpatrick joined us in recognising one of Ashton’s well known businesses with our Special Award being presented to Harrington and Hallworth.
“The Town Team sends huge congratulations to Alf, Peter and the team on being recognised this year for their contribution to the town centre.”
You can find details of this year’s winners online at www.ashtonsmallbiz.co.uk and you can find Ashton Town Team on Facebook.
The winner's in their chosen categories are as follows;
HAIR-HEALTH-BEAUTY Dionnes Hair Salon
FASHION AND FOOTWEAR New Shu
FLOWERS – CARDS – GIFTS Cards Galore
GAMES – COMPUTERS – TECHNOLOGY Rewind Computers
FRESH FOOD RETAIL Fruits & Roots
CAFÉ AND TAKEAWAY Tarps Filipino Fusion
RETAIL SPECIALIST All Things Unique
JEWELLERS Argenti Jewellers
MARKET TRADER Wendy & Mandy’s Café
RESTAURANT Lilly’s Patisserie & Bistro
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