Over 35 businesses have been announced as on the shortlist for a new awards scheme celebrating excellence in local businesses.
The LoveNUL Awards, sponsored by Keele University, have been launched by Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District and have 15 accolades up for grabs.
Owners, customers, suppliers and employees were encouraged to nominate their favourite businesses, with a public vote then taking place.
More than 5,000 votes were received before the shortlist was announced last night, Wednesday 30 August.
Those who received the most votes, and will be invited to the ceremony on Friday 15 September are:
Beauty & Personal Care Business of the Year Award – Black Opal Tattoo, Toni & Guy, Beauty Effect.
Café of the Year award – Oatcake Heaven, Bailey’s Tea Room, Piccoloco.
Independent Business of the Year Award – Mejoolies, Holly’s Haberdashery, Anasma Greek Bakery, Tony Price Butchers.
Large Retailer of the Year Award – Morrisons, Vue Cinema, Sense.
Market Trader of the Year Award – Cheeky Cheesecakes, Piccoloco, Darren’s Plants.
New Business of the Year Award – Playhouse, Family Bakery Cafe, Mejoolies.
Professional Services of the Year Award – Thompson Wright, Staffordshire K9 Services, Saferhand Care Solutions.
Pub/bar of the Year Award – Bridge Street Ale House, Cappello Lounge, The Little Vic.
Service with a Smile Award – Il Capo Barbers, Toni & Guy, Oatcake Heaven.
Small Retailer of the Year Award – Caffe Java, Newcastle Pet Supplies, Brampton Museum Shop.
Restaurant of the Year Award – Peaches Chinese Restaurant, Amore, Anasma Greek Bakery.
Visitor Attraction of the Year Award – Castle Artisan Market, New Vic Theatre, The Brampton Museum.
LoveNUL Community Champion of the Year Award – Elise Turner at The Brampton Museum, Jayne Fair at GROW North Staffs, Alice Charity, Castle Artisan Market.
LoveNUL Sustainability Champion of the Year Award – John Pass Jewellers, Elise Turner at The Brampton Museum, Green Grams.
LoveNUL Rising Star of the Year Award – Bluebell Cottage Cakeaway, Shannon at Playhouse, Levi Knapper.
A spokesman for the awards thanked people for casting their votes and said: “The response to our first LoveNUL Business Awards has been staggering with over 550 individual nominations and an incredible 5,000+ votes cast.
“You’ve really shown your love for Newcastle-under-Lyme businesses and we’ve loved reading your nominations and kind words.”
The winners will be decided by a judging panel and announced at a ceremony at Newcastle-under-Lyme Performing Arts College.
