Independents Month runs during July and is a celebration of Winchester’s vibrant independent shopping scene. Independent businesses will come toget
her to participate in the month long competition. Members of the public will cast votes for their favourite independent business in each of the categories:
- Food and Drink
- Retailer
- Services (such as hairdressers, salons etc)
An awards evening will be held in September to crown the winners of each category and and overall winner – Winchester’s Best Independent Business will also be revealed.
Independent businesses are welcomed to encourage their customers to vote for them and share the competition on social media.
There are some wonderful prizes on offer for businesses involved, including a whole page advertorial in the Visit Winchester 2018 guide for the winner of Winchester’s Best Independent and also half page adverts in Winchester Magazine for the winners of each category.
Last year, independent businesses contributed gifts to be included in a bumper-sized hamper. This was awarded to a member of the public chosen at random, to help promote the competition. If you are an independent business who would like to take part in the month/would like to make a contribution to this year’s prize bundle, please contact Paul Spencer.
Winchester BID is also refreshing and reprinting the Independents Shopping Guide, ready for Summer 2017. This booklet details all of Winchester’s independent shopping venues and this year, will also include a tear-off voting slip for the competition. Keep your eyes peeled for the new edition, which will be available in key destinations around the city very soon.
