Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, and Perth and North Perthshire MP, Mr Pete Wishart, have encouraged small shopkeepers across their constituency to enter the Best Small Shops Competition, celebrating the successes of small shops and the central role they play in their local community, particularly in response to COVID-19.
The Best Small Shops Competition is open to any small shop* operating in the UK. The competition is free to enter and all shops who enter will be promoted to consumers through an online Indie Retail Directory.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“The current pandemic has highlighted just how important a role small shops play both in our communities and as part of the wider economy. To that end, I am delighted that small shops are now getting the recognition they deserve.
“There are so many wonderful small shops across Perthshire, and I would very much encourage my constituents to put forward their business for this award.”
Mr Wishart added:
“Small shops have played a vital role in helping people to get through the COVID-19 crisis and it is about time that we recognise the role that they play in our communities. When many of the supermarket aisles were empty at the start of this crisis, it was often our small shops that came to the rescue.
“I would call on small shops across my constituency to consider applying for this competition. The work that you do in our communities is very much appreciated.”
Shopkeepers can nominate their businesses until Friday 11th September 2020 via www.bestsmallshops.co.uk. A shortlist will be announced in October with winners announced in November.
The judges will be looking for evidence of a small shops’ entrepreneurial spirit, ways that they have been innovative in their business and what they have done to have a lasting positive impact on their community.
The shortlisted small shops will then be in with the chance to win one of five awards, including the newly launched award for small shops response to COVID-19.
