Following boundary changes from Rutland and Melton, MP Alicia Kearns has announced the winners of her first independent shop awards for Rutland and Stamford, and over 20,000 votes were received, over 16 categories.
The most votes went to Stamford's hardware shop, Harrison & Dunn, with over 800 cast. The category winners and runners up were spread across Oakham, Stamford, and several villages. Alicia says it's been wonderful to shine a light on some of the most well-loved local businesses.
"It has been just the most tremendous honour and joy to go round and share with independent shops that they have won the awards this year. Well over 20,000 votes were cast and it's just so lovely to be able to support people that are so important to our local economy, you know, important to local employment and who so often feel forgotten.
And I think what's really wonderful is some of the really small businesses hidden away in our villages who have won, who are just absolutely amazed. These shops really make our high streets and communities what they are. So I'm really grateful to everyone who took the time to vote, who showed their support for independent businesses and massive congratulations to everyone who won."
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