Preston’s 2023 High Street Heroes have been crowned at a city centre awards ceremony.
AdvertisementThe competition, organised by Preston Business Improvement District (BID), and supported by Visit Preston, saw 17 awards handed out, following a public vote.
The High Street Heroes Awards aim to recognise the hard work and commitment of individuals, and leisure and retail businesses in the city centre.
The ceremony, which took place at Ivory Tower @ 1842 on Wednesday 18 October, saw 200 representatives from businesses join together to celebrate their continued hard work and success.
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A special award, Proud Preston Ambassador, was handed out to John Gillmore, a popular regional radio presenter, who recently presented his last show after almost four decades of promoting Lancashire, and more particularly, Preston.
A BID spokesperson said: “The high street can be a challenging place to do business. The finalists and winners, chosen purely by the public, have demonstrated their passion to the city, and to providing an outstanding experience to their visitors.
“The winners, and finalists, deserve the opportunity to reflect on their hard work, determination and commitment – their efforts ensure that Preston remains a great place to enjoy.
“We send our sincere congratulations to all of them and wish them continued success”.
The awards saw 96 finalists in 16 categories, with the total number of public votes reaching almost 80,000.
2023 Winners
Bar Of The Year: Winedown
Retail Manager Of The Year: Bernice Newton – Townhouse Coffee + Brew Bar
Club Of The Year: Warehouse
Independent Retailer Of The Year: Action Records
City Star: Gordon Gibson
Outstanding Achievement In Retail: Gordon Gibson – Action Records
Leisure Manager Of The Year: Benjamin Draycott – Plug & Taps
Market Trader Of The Year: Livesey’s Butchers
Customer Service Star – Retail: Daisy West – Boots
Customer Service Star – Leisure: Alex Loftus – Smashed
Multiple Retailer Of The Year: Lush
National Eatery Of The Year: Mowgli
Independent Pub Of The Year: Plau
Chain Pub Of The Year: The Adelphi
Independent Eatery Of The Year: Smashed
Outstanding Achievement In Leisure: Lisa Billington – The Warehouse
Special Award: Proud Preston Ambassador: John Gillmore
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