WIRE awards: Search begins for Wolverhampton's best independent businesses

Leader of the city council, Councillor Roger Lawrence, unveiled the first annual Wolverhampton Independent Retail Excellence, or WIRE, awards last night.

Speaking to the full city council, he said: "These are the businesses that help give Wolverhampton its own identity and character, and it is only right their efforts should be recognised by these awards."

Mr Lawrence commissioned the awards and they are being led in partnership with Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID).

The BID was set up three years ago, backed by almost 90 per cent of businesses in the city centre, to invest around £3 million over five years on improving the heart of Wolverhampton.

It also gives businesses a greater say in the way the city centre is run and promoted.

The awards will be at the heart of that work, aiming to celebrate and praise the entrepreneurial spirit, dedication and hard work of those involved in running and managing successful independent businesses, as well as to recognise the loyalty and dedication of the staff that work in the sector.

There are 12 honours up for grabs, with nominations now being sought in 11 categories. A public vote is open to find Wolverhampton's Favourite Retailer.

The other categories are Independent Retailer of the Year, Retail Personality of the Year, Excellence in Customer Service, Best Dressed Shop or Outlet, Employee of the Year, Leader's Award – Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, Excellence in Staff Development, Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year, Community Retailer of the Year, Most Improved Business of the Year, and New Business of the Year.

The awards are open to independent retailers from across the city, provided they have a Wolverhampton postcode. Councillor Lawrence said: "It is vital that we listen to the voice of businesses and that we support and nurture growth here in the city.

"That's why, last year, I proposed an annual award event for the city's independent retailers.

"I'm pleased to say that, in collaboration with Wolverhampton BID, we are delivering on that promise.

"We very much value the presence of the small businesses in the city and the creative local people behind them.

"These are the businesses that help give Wolverhampton its own identity and character, and it is only right their efforts should be recognised by these awards."

John Henn, chairman of Wolverhampton BID and owner of city centre jewellers TA Henn, added: "As a sixth generation Wulfrunian, independent business owner and chair of the Wolverhampton BID board, I'm excited to see the Wolverhampton Independent Retail Excellence Awards being launched across our city.

"The awards are a real opportunity to shout about the fantastic range of independent retailers, from our small cafes and bars through to our top quality stores carrying international brands, bringing a rich diversity to our high streets.

"There is an award category to suit all independent retailers, so take this opportunity to tell us about your business in our city and enter now."

Entries to the WIRE Awards can be made at www.wireawards.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is midnight on Sunday, April 30.