It was the independent businesses that stole the show at the Kings Heath Business Excellence Awards last night; picking up the majority of the awards across the board and showcasing the quality of the unique businesses in Kings Heath.
Created to recognise outstanding quality and customer service, the Business Excellence Awards, highlights the achievements and accomplishments of both local businesses and individuals.
Over a hundred people attended the event at the Hare & Hounds pub, which picked up the award for Best Night Out. The event was hosted by Town Centre Manager Kate Smart on behalf of the Kings Heath BID and the awards were presented by local Councillor Lisa Trickett. The award winners were:
Mystery Shopping Exercise – For excellence in Customer Service
Business Star Awards to:
- Café Latté
- Al’s Diner
- Cash4mobile
- Dickinson Barbers
- Top Banana Too
- Togademus
- Hedshed
Best Christmas Window
- Gold – People
- Silver- Extra Care Charitable Trust
- Bronze – All Fired Arts
Service With a Smile
- Gold- All Fired Arts
- Silver- People
- Bronze – Pangaea
Best for a Bite to Eat
- Gold- Pangaea
- Silver- Kitchen Garden Cafe
- Bronze- Loco Lounge
Best Night Out
- Gold- Hare & Hounds
- Silver- Pangaea
- Bronze- Loco Lounge
Best New Addition
- Gold- Fletchers
- Silver- Sue Ryder
- Bronze – All Saints Cafe
Best Independent
- Gold- All Fired Arts
- Silver- People
- Bronze- Hedshed
Best Chain
- Gold- Sainsbury’s
- Silver- ASDA
- Bronze- Boots
That’s So Kings Heath
- Gold- All Fired Arts
- Silver- People
- Bronze- Pangaea
Cathy Edwards, chairman of the Kings Heath Business Improvement District (BID) which organised the annual award, said: “The winners are an eclectic mix of local independents and national outlets, who all contribute to the wonderful variety available in Kings Heath.
“It’s never been more important to support our local retailers, restaurants and other businesses, and the Business Excellence Awards are the perfect way to show our appreciation for the outstanding business community in Kings Heath.”
The Kings Heath Business Excellence Awards is now in its third year and winners were decided by votes from shoppers and local residents and mystery shopper results.
The ceremony caps off a successful 2012 for Kings Heath, which has enjoyed consistently high levels of footfall when compared with other areas, success on both a regional and national level for its floral trail and secured funding from the Mary Portas inspired Town Team Project to further develop the high street. In addition, businesses in the BID area voted in July for a second five year term of the BID starting in April 2013.
Designed to promote both Kings Heath’s vibrant independent retailers and national outlets, the awards received a record number of votes from the public this year.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/ell-r-brown/