Returning for 2018, the Best Small Shops competition says it invites UK retailers to share what makes them unique, with the chance to attend the competition reception in Westminster later this year.

The Best Small Shops competition, managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK’s High Streets and the central role they play in their local community.

The search for the best small shop in the UK launched to coincide with Independents’ Day, the national campaign which celebrates and promotes the UK's independent retailers each year on 4^th July.  

After successful campaigns in 2011 and 2015 the competition is returning in 2018 and is set to be bigger and better than before.

The evolving retail landscape has witnessed numerous high-profile closures of larger stores, but specialist independent retailers can thrive in this climate by delivering a truly unique retail experience thanks to the passion, service, flexibility and knowledge they offer. The Best Small Shops competition is a chance to celebrate this unique industry and show customers what makes independent retailers so special.

The IRC said: "Independent retailers around the country bring a distinctive character and service to their local communities, not to mention the economic contribution they make locally and nationally.

"Indeed, recent research showed that 43 per cent of us want to shop with an independent over a larger retailer because we feel treated like a valued customer rather than just a number. This competition enables us to reinforce all that is good about independent retail whilst shining a light on the best of the best.”

The competition is open to UK independent retailers, with all entrants also benefitting from a free promotional listing on the Indie Retail ‘find a shop’ directory.

The competition will close in early September and 25 of the most impressive applications will be selected for a final shortlist which is submitted to a judging panel made up of key figures from the independent retail industry. These retailers will be invited to attend the competition reception at the Houses of Parliament supported by the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group (APPSSG) in autumn 2018 where they will have the opportunity to meet with MP's, trade representatives and other shortlisted independent retailers before the winner is announced.

To enter the 2018 competition applicants must showcase their innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and community ethos by submitting details of their business via the online application form.

Enter now at www.bestsmallshops.co.uk. Entries close Sunday 9th September 2018.