Here are the winners of Chesterfield's High Street Awards

Independent womenswear retailer, Dotique has taken the top title of Retailer of the Year in the Chesterfield High Street Awards.

Judges described Dotique as ‘a fantastic business that always gives back to the community.’

Dotique on Chatsworth Road was also named as the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year.

Delighted with the double success, Dotique’s owner Dorothy Robiinson said: “I am so very happy to win. I love Chesterfield and am supported by fantastic staff and customers.”

This year’s High Street Awards, held online and hosted by street magician Steve Faulkner, saw a number of new names and faces among the line-up of 15 winners. Pinewood Properties, Curious Goods, Huckleberry Willow, Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Warhammer and Shop Indie were all first-time winners in the awards which are now in their seventh year.

The winners include:

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year and Retailer of the Year 2020 – Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, owner of Dotique said: “Customers are at the heart of everything that we do.”

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year – Belle Vie

Alysha Bradley, owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels amazing to win the award for the second year in a row.”

High Street Business of the Year – Pinewood Properties

The business stood out to the judges for its speedy response on social media. Stacey Davies-Bowler, managing director of Pinewood Properties, said: “We are so pleased to win. The last three years have been incredible. We’ve won virtually every customer-service award in our industry.”

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year – Huckleberry Willow

The store was commended by judges for its helpful and knowledgeable staff. Luke Shah, managing director of Huckleberry Willow said “We are delighted to win the award. We’re a family business and have been in Chesterfield since 1976.”

Market Trader of the Year – Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Owner of the first zero waste stall on Chesterfield’s Saturday’s Market and monthly Artisan Market, Steph Mannion, said: “It is awesome to be recognised for bringing zero waste shopping to Chesterfield.”

Independent Retailer of the Year – Fred’s Haberdashery

Judges praised the business’ use of technology to connect people online. Emily Lord, owner of Fred’s Haberdashery said: “Having taken over the business in February just before lockdown, we’ve had to work really hard to get the website and social media up and running.”

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year – Warhammer

Andrew Ward, manager of the Warhammer store in Chesterfield, said: “I was really chuffed to win. We’re a unique store in the town with knowledgeable staff all committed to giving customers a great experience when they visit us.”

Retail Apprentice of the Year – Molly Bradbury, Arvato

Lindsey Phillips, senior rent officer at Arvato CRM Solutions UK commented: “I am so very proud of Molly as she is a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Therapy Lounge

The beauty business, which is based in Hasland has employed apprentices for more than 10 years. Rebecca McNair, an apprentice beauty therapist at Therapy Lounge, said: “We were delighted and surprised to win the award.”

Best Customer Service – Curious Goods

Owner Jonny Kudibal said: “It’s fabulous to win. We sell a lot of holistic and alternative therapy products so it’s important we give the right advice to help customers make the best decision.”

Best Town Centre Event – Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Organised by Edge Events, this is the second consecutive year the festival has won this category. Richard Alsop, managing director of Edge Events, said: “It has added an extra bit of specialness to the award receiving it during the tough times our industry is currently facing.”

Future High Street Award – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Big Screen

Sarah Bowler, office administrator and commercialisation coordinator at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, said: “We’re over the moon to have won the Future High Street Award.”

Best New Store – Shop Indie

Lisa Swift, partner at Shop Indie which opened a year ago, said: “It’s lovely that the people of Chesterfield have taken on board our shop and love our products.”

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Brampton Brewery

Chris Radford, managing director of Brampton Brewery, said: “Although we’re operating in difficult times, we love working in the industry. All the team is passionate about what we do.”