A MAJOR new business awards will honour the “unsung” independent North East traders helping to keep the region’s High Street alive.
Launched five years ago in Northern Ireland, the High Street Heroes campaign has grown into one of the country’s most respected retail awards with over 15,000 annual votes.
Rather than focus on big brands, High Street Heroes celebrates everything from the best independent coffee shops to the most beloved local off-licence and petrol forecourt.
The awards are being led by Andrew Bartlett of Roam Local, in partnership with Sam Binns of The Ironing Man, under a new regional initiative called First Connections. Created to support and celebrate independent businesses across the North East, the partnership will launch the High Street Heroes Gala Awards across the region.
“The High Street has never experienced such a tough time, yet the quality of independent businesses is better than ever,” said Andrew, Roam Local’s founder and CEO.
“Behind every shopfront is someone’s blood, sweat and tears, and we know that each business represents years of hard work and sacrifice.
“The North East’s independent business owners have faced hurdle after hurdle – be it soaring business rates or changing shopping habits – but they keep going, creating vital jobs and opportunities for the community.
“These awards are about thanking those businesses that make the North East the most special community in the country.”
Ahead of nominations opening in April, the High Street Heroes awards have secured several sponsorships from organisations including NE BIC, North East Hotel Association and the door-to-door laundry app, Lovely Laundry.
Additionally, they are backed by several key partners including Darlington Council, Durham BID, the award-winning PR agency, Harvey & Hugo and the respected High Street guru Graham Soult.
The public will be invited to vote for the winners, with the Northern Ireland awards securing over 15,000 votes last year alone, while sponsorship opportunities are also available.
And organisers hope the awards provide a welcome boost for the North East’s shops and traders, after several notable closures in the region in recent years.
For Graham Soult, championing the High Street has never been more important.
A former High Streets Task Force expert, Graham has played a key role in forecasting the future of town centres. However, he believes they are evolving – not dying – and that these awards are a way to showcase the strength of the North East’s shops and other businesses.
“We want the High Street Heroes awards to remind the public that the high street is not only there for them, but that wherever in the region they are they can discover some truly fantastic local traders” added Graham, who is based in Gateshead.
“Each vote cast helps celebrate your local high street, and is a vote of confidence in the North East retail and hospitality businesses that are working hard to give something back to their communities.” For more information, or to enquire about sponsorship, visit www.ne-hsh-awards.co.uk
