Managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), the competition celebrates the independent retailers on the UK’s high streets.

The search for the best small shop in the UK launched on the 4th July 2018 to coincide with Independents’ Day, the national campaign which celebrates and promotes the UK’s independent retailers each year.

After successful campaigns in 2011 and 2015 the competition is returning in 2018 and is set to be bigger and better than ever 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 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 competition is open to any UK independent retailer, defined as a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption rather than for resale, from a business rated premises in the UK.

The competition will close in early September, with 25 of the most impressive applications will be selected for a final shortlist. The shortlist 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 in autumn 2018, where the winner will be awarded the title of Best Small Shop 2018.

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.

Submit your entry

The entries for 2018’s Best Small Shop competition are open now. To enter the competition you will need:
• to be an independent retailer i.e. a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption, from a business rated premises in the UK.
• to have a listing on the Indie Retail directory. If you don’t already have a listing you can create one for free here.
• to submit your entry by Sunday 9th September 2018.

Enter now at www.bestsmallshops.co.uk