Preston Is ‘Smiles Better’ Official Finalists Announced Voting is closed and the results are in; over 48,000 votes have been cast in Preston BID’s ‘Smiles Better Awards’, which recognise outstanding businesses and people in Preston city centre.
The awards, sponsored by Abbey Telecom, highlight the achievements of owners and employees of city centre businesses, and this year attracted more than 200 nominations.
A total of fifteen prizes up for grabs, including Independent Retailer of the Year, Multiple Retailer of the Year, Customer Service Champion, Restaurant of the Year and ‘City Star’.
In addition, a ‘Special Recognition Award’ which cannot be voted for, will be awarded to someone who’s made a significant contribution to the city.
The Smiles Better awards ceremony will be staged as part of the Lancashire Business Festival, which runs throughout March.
Previously that honour has gone to Friargate florist, Margaret Mason, who’s operated a business in Preston for over fifty-five years and the Carter Family – operators of Preston’s ‘Ted Carter’ angling store.
Mark Whittle, from Preston BID which organises the competition said: “The businesses in Preston city centre consistently offer outstanding service, and the ‘Smiles Better’ awards are our way honouring these people and organisations. It’s their efforts that keep people returning to our city centre time and time again, and for that, we thank them”.
Tony Raynor, Managing Director of Abbey Telecom, sponsors of the awards said: “The large amount of votes cast is a tribute to all the great customer-focused work being carried out by staff in Preston’s shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
“This positive response to the awards from the general public again highlights Preston’s deserved reputation as a vibrant shopping and visitor destination that delivers fantastic levels of service.
“Abbey Telecom are very pleased to be backing the awards which highlight outstanding service and people – these are the foundations upon which our business was built”.
The prizes will be handed out at the awards ceremony on Tuesday 20th March – at Preston’s Guild Hall.
Tickets are available by calling Preston’s BID on (01772) 653000 option 4.
