It is time for our towns and villages to dust themselves off and show their best sides. Come on Minehead, Dulverton, Bridgwater and all the rest. Lets take on the rest of Britain for this year’s Great British High Street awards! The competition celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets and is an opportunity for councils, businesses, community groups and volunteers to learn from the very best. This year there are new prizes, including the chance to win up to £ 10,000 each. Winners will also receive dedicated support from industry experts. Here are the categories we could enter:
- Best Market Town High Street (small)
- Best Market Town High Street (large)
- Best Coastal Community High Street
- Best Village High Street
- Best Local Centre – precinct or parade of shops
- Rising Star – to recognise towns who are turning fortunes around
The 4 competition categories for individuals are:
- Best Store Manager or Employee from a National Retailer / Organisation
- Best Store Manager or Employee from an Independent / Small Business
- Best Market Manager, Operator, Farmer or Trader
- Best under 25 year old, manager or employee from a high street business
Nominations are now open across England, Wales and Scotland. Entry is open until September 9th and you can access all the forms here. The top 3 shortlisted in each category will be announced in October. They will then go through to a public online vote and be visited by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business. But as they say – you have to be in it to win it!!