CHESTERFIELD RETAIL AWARDS 2017: All the winners

The awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Addooco, recognise the very best shops, stores and market stalls in and around Chesterfield and the winners are nominated by shoppers.

More than 800 people nominated in the awards this year.

Retailer of the Year was just one of 17 awards presented to 14 businesses at the fourth annual Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM’s breakfast show presenters Cat and Ricky.

James Pogson, managing director of Northern Tea Merchants, was presented with the accolade at the sell-out award ceremony which was held at the Winding Wheel and attended by more than 200 people on Wednesday 24 May.

As well as having a shop and café on Chatsworth Road Northern Tea Merchants, which has been trading in the town since 1936, produces 100 million tea and sources, packs and supplies 200 tonnes of coffee each year as well as training many front line staff in prestigious hotels in London.

In addition to scooping the top title, Northern Tea Merchants was also named as Food and Drink Retailer of the Year. Other multiple award winners at the awards included Adorn Jewellers and Marks and Spencer.

Adorn Jewellers, which is based in The Shambles in the town centre, retained its title of Excellence in Customer Service for the third consecutive year, while fellow multiple award winner Marks and Spencer, was a first time nominee in the annual awards.

James Pogson said: “I am absolutely delighted to win the awards. They recognise the hard work and dedication of the staff and business partners. To receive these awards after the brilliant year we have had is absolutely amazing.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield, added: “It’s fair to say that this year’s Retail Awards were the best ever. From the sheer number of nominations we received, to the breadth of businesses nominated, it showed the strength of support in the town for the retail sector.

“It was wonderful to see so many businesses – old and new, recognised and celebrated once again. They are an integral and important part to Chesterfield’s economy and play a very important role and should continue to be supported.”

As well as Northern Tea Merchants, the winning businesses in the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards were:

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year, sponsored by Chesterfield College: The Therapy Lounge

Carly Smith, owner of The Therapy Lounge, said: “We try to make it an amazing experience for the client from the minute they step through the door. It shows that they enjoy their experience when they come to the salon as they come back year after year.”

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR: Marks and Spencer

Chris Venters, Store Manager of Marks and Spencer, Chesterfield, said: “We have an incredible product but, more importantly, the teams within the store. We have 140 people that are all dedicated to giving the best service possible to the people of Chesterfield.”

Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre: Green + Benz

Abi Noakes, Store Manager of Green + Benz, said: “We offer a very friendly service. We speak to our customers like they are friends and family and always offer the best customer service.”

Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Healthy High Streets Team: H&F

Louise Peel, Director of H&F, said: “It feel absolutely amazing to win the award. We’re ecstatic.”

Children’s Clothes, Toys &aAccessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Progression Accountancy: Geeks Headquarters Ltd

Alberto Naso, owner of Geeks Headquarters, said: “Our customers love to come into our shop to play games in a nice, friendly and safe environment. And we love it too because we like to play games.”

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Custom Solar: Northern Tea Merchants

“It’s such an honour to win. The awards are a tribute and testament to the hard work of all the staff and a reflection of the direction the business has taken over the last 12 months. This is the absolute icing on the cake.”

Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Presented by Addooco: Chips Computers

Jenny Griffiths, owner of Chips Computers, said: “We’ve been in Chesterfield for more than 8 years now and we like to give back to the community, working with local schools and people with special needs.”

Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak FM: Fred’s Haberdashery

Lorraine Jukes, Owner of Fred’s Haberdashery, said: “We’re a local store that supports local people and we have lovely, loyal customers. We pride ourselves on low prices, value for money, and old fashioned, respectful courtesy when serving customers. We’re very proud of ourselves.”

Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council: Ibbotsons Fresh Quality Produce

Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotsons Fresh Quality Produce, said: “We were overjoyed to win the award and couldn’t believe that we were also shortlisted for the Retailer of the Year title. I am very proud of all staff who work so hard at Ibbotsons. Thank you also to all our customers.”

Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design: Adorn Jewellers

Laura Jo and Adam Owen, owners of Adorn Jewellers, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win two Chesterfield Retail awards. We offer independent high quality jewellery and our lovely customers nominated us for these awards. We’re so delighted to have done them proud.”

National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane Shopping Centre: Marks and Spencer

Chris Venters, Store Manager of Marks and Spencer, Chesterfield, said: “We have an incredible product but, more importantly, the teams within the store. We have 140 people that are all dedicated to giving the best service possible to the people of Chesterfield.”

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers: Adorn Jewellers

Laura Jo and Adam Owen, owners of Adorn Jewellers, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win two Chesterfield Retail awards. We offer independent high quality jewellery and our lovely customers nominated us for these awards. We’re so delighted to have done them proud.”

Market Hall Business of the Year - Sponsored by Arvato: R.P. Davidson Cheese Factor

Simon Davidson, owner of R. P. Davidson Cheese Factor, said: “My staff are fantastic and always try and look after customers as best as they can. Over the years we have evolved the business and regularly add new products to the shop.”

Best New Store (Opened 2016/2017) - Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors: Blanc Occasions

Ann Marie White, owner of Blanc Occasions, said: “It’s feels amazing to win the award. Blanc Occasions open in February 2017 after I realised there was a demand for a boutique specialising in outfits that make women feel special. The support from my loyal customer base has been amazing.”

The Pavements Shopping Centre Retailer of the Year: Massarella’s

“It feels brilliant to win the award. It’s great that people have taken the time to vote for us and think we’re worthy of the award.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Retailer of the Year: Waterstones

Jo Mackenzie, Manager of Waterstones, said: “It’s brilliant to win the award. We love books and like to share that love with other people We have great, loyal customers and it’s fantastic that we can share this award with them.”

As well as Addooco and category sponsors, other supporters of the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards include Temple Safety, City Taxis, R.A. Information Systems, eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.