The competition is open to any UK independent retailer, selling goods or services to the public. 

The annual search to find Britain’s Best Small Shop, a competition managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), begins again with a focus on consumer engagement and how independent retailers promote all that is special about their businesses to the local community and consumers at large.

Celebrating personal commitment, innovation and community engagement, the Best Small Shops competition has proven successful in recognising the contribution of independent retailers on UK high streets and shopping parades.

The competition closes early September and a shortlist of the most impressive applicants will be invited to attend the competition reception at the Houses of Parliament in November, where they will have the opportunity to meet with MP’s, trade representatives and other shortlisted retailers, before the winner and runners up are announced.

For 2019, competition entrants will be challenged with promoting the benefits of their retail offering to consumers with the initial selection process being voted on by the general public at indieretail.uk. The most successful applications selected over 10 weeks of consumer voting will go forward to an industry panel and formal review, which will select the shortlist for the reception event. Competition entrants will need to showcase their proposition to consumers and outline areas of community engagement, alongside the innovation and development plans for their business over the coming years.

The competition is now open and can be entered here. Entry closes at 8am on Monday 9th September.