| 2007 Yorkshire, Notts and Derbyshire winners |
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And the Best Rural Retailers are….
York Road Green Hammerton York Yorkshire YO26 8EQ www.ainstyfarmshop.co.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 01423 331897 James Bates, Countryside Alliance spokesman says: “The produce is first class - fresh, local and genuine, from a shop set up to serve the community after foot and mouth and flooding devastated the area. They also find innovative ways of promoting their produce and extending their ranges, including cookery demonstrations, etc. Their support of their local producers is honest and very visible and they actively foster relations between their producers and the ultimate customer. The average customer is from the locality; indeed, while the judges were there an elderly man came into the shop and ordered a number of cuts of meat and other products. When he left, the judges (incognito) were told he came in every Saturday and bought the same things every week for the past five years, which highlights Ainsty’s consistent quality, great value for money and local engagement.” Best Shop / PO Category: Highgate Farm Shop Edge Lane Colden Hebden Bridge West Yorkshire HX7 7PF James says: “May sells everything - from kindling to a huge range of good wine; from cocktail umbrellas to magazines; pies and cakes to local eggs. What sets the Highgate Farm Shop apart, though, is the personal attention given by May Stocks and her team. May not only delivers the newspapers (and some post) every day, she also calls in to all the elderly, sick and needy in this very remote area, providing a welcome social aspect to those who may not see anybody from week to week.” Best Diversification Category: Adventure Toys Little Smeaton Northallerton North Yorkshire DL6 2HJ www.adventuretoys.co.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 01609 881302 James says: “They offer an exceptional friendly personal service, employing local staff of all ages. Over the last 18 years the business has grown from a small outside display and shop from a converted cowbyre, to being one of the largest independents in the country but they are still based at the same location and still offer local people the same experience as ever. Their diversification means that they manage a growing diversified business while still farming at the same time, and it has not been unknown for the occasional pet lamb to find its way to customers for a drink, or for staff to turn their hand at lambing or moving escaped sheep. Adventure Toys is a truly unique rural enterprise, turning over a wide range of business while still engaging with local people.” Best Traditional Business Category: Brocklehursts of Bakewell Bridge Street Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1EE www.brocklehursts.com 01629 812089 James says: “A traditional gentleman’s outfitters that meet and exceeds the expectations of its customers. Founded in 1965, the nascent shop started out as a battered old van visiting local farms and selling clothing county people just couldn’t do without. Today they are based in a beautifully restored building in the heart of the Peak District’s Bakewell, but the heart of the business remains the same. Their customer service is second to none and they offer a truly unique and professional service to all customers. One of the nominations said simply ‘they are the best’ – and you can’t say fairer than that!” |
