Prestonians are being asked to vote for their ‘high street heroes’ as an annual awards returns.
AdvertisementNearly 100,000 votes were cast in last year’s It Smiles Better awards – celebrating the best in city centre businesses.
Organised by Preston Business Improvement District (BID) they see a raft of leisure and retail businesses nominated.
BID manager Mark Whittle said: “The aim of last year’s awards was to show just how far our great city has progressed in recent years and we want to build on that this time around.
“We have such a vibrant city centre that offers something for everyone, whether people are coming for a shopping trip or a night out.
“What better way to celebrate that than to reward the unsung heroes whose customer service keep those visitors coming back for more?
“The feedback we received from last year proved the decision to expand last year’s awards was the right one.”
Last year’s awards were held in the Evoque nightclub and saw the late David Gest present the awards – and Friargate florist Margaret Mason received a special recognition award.
Both of the main shopping centres in Preston are sponsors for the awards.
Manager of the Fishergate Shopping Centre Keith Mitchell said: “Preston has a growing reputation as a vibrant shopping and visitor destination that delivers fantastic levels of service. And that is down to the people who work in our shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
“We’re very pleased to be supporting this initiative. It is a fantastic way to show why Preston really is ‘Smiles Better’ and to recognise and reward those people whose efforts make the city centre the special place it is.”
General manager at St George’s Shopping Centre Andrew Stringer said: “Customer service teams across Preston play an integral role in making sure visitors come back to the city again
“These teams help to give a great first impression of Preston and promote it as an attractive place to shop, work and do business.
“The Smiles Better Awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise the hard work and continued efforts of everyone involved and we are thrilled to be a sponsor this year.”
How to vote
There are 15 categories for the public to vote in.
Votes can be cast by visiting the Smiles Better Awards website.
The deadline for voting is Friday 20 May.
When do the awards take place?
The awards take place in Evoque nightclub in June.
Who will you be voting for? Let us know your views in the comments below