Video: Debbie Bryan and winners speak to Notts TV’s Sharon Walia
Gift and tea shop Debbie Bryan won the award for being the best independent retailer in Nottingham.
The shop situated on St Mary’s Gate won the overall award courtesy of the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID).
The winners were announced at an event at Hart’s Hotel this morning.
It was a complete surprise
Shop owner Debbie Bryan, who owns the self-named winning shop, said that celebrations had already been underway because of their nomination.
Debbie Bryan said: “We’d already decided that we were winners because we were shortlisted so it was a complete surprise this morning to find out we’d won the overall award.
“We have a massive focus on customer service and exceeding people’s expectations when they come here.
“We’re the full package as you can buy fantastic products made by local or international designer makers, there’s great tea and cake and you can learn creative stuff.”
We had over 100 nominated
Director of Nottingham BID Geoff Williams explained how the judging process worked.
He said: “Initially, we get the general public to suggest independent businesses which they find interesting and I think we had over 100 nominated.
“From that, we get a group of mystery shoppers to go and see what their experience of the nominated shop is.
“From that, they make the decision of who wins the prize.”