Businesses urged to sign up for retail awards (From The Advertiser Series)
Send us your pictures, video, news and views by texting NORTHERN ECHO to 80360 or email us
Businesses urged to sign up for retail awards
3:35pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News
By Andy Walker, Chief Reporter (Darlington)
A BUSINESSWOMAN who was recognised for her efforts at a retail awards ceremony last year is urging others in her position to enter the contest.
Nominations are now open for the 2012 Darlington Town Centre Retail Awards, which will presented in a glitzy, Oscars-style ceremony in December.
Anna Caygill, owner of Dolly Mama boutique, in Northumberland Street, took the ‘shooting star’ award last year, which recognised the impact made by young retailers in the town.
Miss Caygill said customers had been impressed by her status in the past year and has called on shops and businesses in the town centre to sign up for the awards.
Prizes will be presented in 13 categotries, with last year’s competition attracting more than 200 entries.
Other categories include: customer service; market stall of the year; independent retailer; hair and beauty; fashion and national retailers; fabulous food and professional/ service industry.
New for this year are the responsible retailer award, which looks for a business with a strong responsible ethos, and the night life award, for businesses in the evening economy.
The awards are being organised by Darlington Borough Council, with support from The Northern Echo, the Cornmill shopping centre and town centre improvement company Distinct Darlington.
Businesses wishing to be considered should fill out an entry form, which can be found online at www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/retailawards
Paper forms can also be collected from Michelle van Vlijmen, Projects Officer, Town Centre Management, Town Hall, Darlington, DL1 5QT.
Forms should be returned to the town hall by Friday, October 26.
The awards will be presented on Wednesday, December 12, at the Dolphin Centre. Tickets for the ceremony, which is open to the public, cost £20, including a three-course meal and disco.
To book, call 01325-388410.
