Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has visited Alverstoke Village Hardware to present them with their prize for being voted Gosport’s Best Independent Shop by residents of Gosport, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington and Hill Head.
After a close fought online competition in the months before Christmas, Alverstoke Village Hardware were crowned as Gosport’s Best Independent Shop 2021. With A Slice of Vinyl in Gosport High Street, P&J’s Food in Elson and Anita Blushing Bloom in Lee on the Solent the runners up.
The competition started at the beginning of November when Caroline invited local people to nominate their favourite independent trader from the Gosport constituency on her website. Over 1000 nominations were received for more than 100 business. The top 10 most nominated businesses then went head to head in a public poll which concluded on Small Business Saturday, with well over 2000 people casting their vote.
Today, Caroline visited Alverstoke Village Hardware to present them with their award and a bottle of House of Commons champagne.
Commenting, Caroline said:
“What a delight to visit Liz and the team at Alverstoke Village Hardware today to present them with their award.
The completion was hotter than ever this year, with over 2000 constituents taking part in the voting process. The diversity and quality of the nominees really underlines the spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship in our area.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and local people really appreciate the service they offer, never more so than during the Pandemic. This is an opportunity to celebrate those who make a difference in our community .”
Liz Edmunds, owner of Alverstoke Village Hardware said:
“I am absolutely delighted to have received this award.
Thank you to all my lovely customers for their incredible support over the last two years.”
