WORCESTER MP Robin Walker has lent his support for the city centre’s bid to scoop success in the Great British High Streets Awards 2015.
Nominations for the prestigious awards are now in full swing and open until September 1 and Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) will hope to emulate the success of last year when they were named finalists.
This year, not only will the winners have the cachet of being best in category, but they will also benefit from a share of an £80,000 prize pot.
Up to 100 retailers in each of the seven winning locations will be given training on how to make the most of their digital skills from their experts, courtesy of Internet giant Google.
Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the hard work of local groups up and down the country who are working together to support their local high streets and make them even better places to shop and socialise.
This year a new special prize has also been launched for towns who have become ‘Rising Stars’ or for local people who have made an invaluable personal contribution to their local high streets.
Once again, judges from the Future High Streets Forum – made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business – will be looking for the nation’s best high streets across seven categories.
“I am incredibly proud of Worcester’s High Street and city centre,” Mr Walker said.
“One of the most exciting things over the last few years has been to watch as it has moved from struggling successfully through a tough period to truly thriving with higher occupancy, record footfall and some exciting new shops and restaurants.
“It was great that we were short-listed in last year’s awards, but I think Worcester’s fantastic independent shops deserve to do even better.
“With smart new markets and a fantastic range of events and celebrations through the year I don’t think there has ever been a better time for Worcester to win national recognition,” he added.
