01 August 2018, 08:24 AM
  • The Best Small Shops competition, managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), celebrates independent retailers and the central role they play in their local community

After successful campaigns initiated by the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group in 2011 and 2015, the search for the UK’s best small shop returns in 2018.

The competition is open to any UK independent retailer - defined as a ‘non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption rather than for resale’ - from a business-rated premises in the UK.

The entry stage for the competition closes on 9 September, with successful applications selected going on to for a final shortlist which is submitted to a judging panel made up of key figures from the independent retail industry.

These retailers will be invited to attend the competition reception in autumn 2018, where the winner will be awarded the title of Best Small Shop 2018.

In 2015 the shortlisted retailers attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament where they had the opportunity to meet with MPs, trade representatives and other shortlisted independent retailers before the winner, Hunters of Helmsley, was announced.

To enter the 2018 competition applicants must showcase their innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and community ethos by submitting details of their business via an online application form at bestsmallshops.co.uk.