ELBA 2019: Finalists in Focus – Independent Retailer of the Year

The catch-up with the finalists for the 2019 East Lindsey Business Awards continues this week as we take a closer look at the businesses vying for the Independent Retailer of the Year award.

Hoping to take home the Award this year will be: Crofts Estate Agents, Post and Pantry and People First Mobility.

The Louth branch of Crofts Estate Agents has previously tasted success at the East Lindsey Business Awards, taking home the Excellence in Customer Care and Best New Business Awards in 2018 and 2017 respectively. Branch Manager, Charlotte Collins, is proud of their record at the Awards and is hopeful they can make it a hat-trick this year: “We are delighted to be a finalist for Independent Retailer of the Year 2019. It is great to be recognised for our hard work and determination and we are looking forward to seeing the business grow over the coming years, hopefully with another award on the shelf!”

Donington on Bain based Post and Pantry has become a cornerstone in the community and pays a vital role as a village shop, post office and tea room. Owners Simon and Diana Lidgard  will be hoping to go one better this year after they we’re Highly Commended in this category in 2018: “We are thrilled to be a finalist in the Independent Retailer of the Year category. Every business should consider entering the awards the process really helped us focus on our business, what we have achieved so far and what we hope to achieve in the future. It is great to be recognised for the vital role we play in the community - serving customers, supporting other local businesses and promoting the county of Lincolnshire."

Skegness’ People First Mobility will be also be hoping to make 2019 their year having been a finalist in the previous two East Lindsey Business Awards. Owner Karen Sheppard was a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and the business was also shortlisted in the Independent Retailer of the Year category in 2017. Speaking about making it as a finalist again this year, Karen said: “We are so honoured and proud that we are finalists for Independent Retailer of the Year. This year the entries have been amazing and of very high standard so to be chosen to go forward to the final award is a boost for us and our customers. The high street and independent shops are still very important to people and awards like this recognise our customer care and hard work at making the customer happy and supporting the town and local businesses.”

Our winners will be announced at the Awards evening on 27^th September at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa. Tickets for the event are available to purchase from: www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/Event/east-lindsey-business-awards-2019

Sponsorship packages for the East Lindsey Business Awards are also still available and businesses looking to get involved as a sponsor should go to: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/ELBASponsorship for more information.

Pictured are Crofts Estate Agents at the East Lindsey Business Awards 2018