Bloom-ing marvellous! Top trophy for Wolverhampton menswear shop at city's WIRE Awards

Blooms Menswear has been a fixture in Darlington Street for 70 years – run by Tom Vater for the last 37 – and was the big winner of the night at Wolverhampton's WIRE Awards, recognising the best of the city's independent retail business.

A total of 27 business were shortlisted across nine categories from 240 entries, including cafes, shops, hair and beauty salons, hotels and a pub.

Around 250 people attended a packed-out awards night at the Molineux' WV1 venue to see the winners unveiled.

Blooms was declared Independent of the Year – the night's big award – and also won the trophy for Excellence in Customer Service.

There was a huge roar of delight from the Blooms team as their name was read out – Mr Vater had brought a large contingent from his two dozen-strong staff to the event.

The WIRE Award judges said: "This business is an outstanding example of excellence where the customer is number one. Staff go way beyond service expectations and provide a fabulous experience for each and every customer.

"Every transaction is tailored to customer needs which brings them back time and time again."

"I'm absolutely jubilant," said Mr Vater. "It's wonderful. It was great to win the customer service award but to be declared Wolverhampton's Independent of the Year is just incredible. It gives me the greatest pleasure to accept the award on behalf of all the staff who work for us.

"It's recognition for all the hard work and the quality of the customer service we provide."

Speaking at the event, Wolverhampton council leader Councillor Roger Lawrence hailed independent businesses as "the unsung heroes of our cities" and praised the quality of entries for the awards at what he said had been a difficult time for the retail sector nationwide: "We know it is tough out there, and we are grateful for everyone here tonight. It gives us great hope for the future."

And John Henn, head of his family's jewellery business and of the Wolverhampton BID group set up to promote and support business in the city centre, said three new businesses had opened in just the last three weeks.

The WIRE Award for Best Presented Premises went to the Nutmeg cafe in Farmers Fold, with the judge praising its "great internal design features creating a brilliant atmosphere and experience". Owner Alex Abdelaal said: "This is so amazing. If I have to single out one thing that has won us this award, it is the attention to detail we put into making sure Nutmeg always looks absolutely right for our customers."

Community Contributor of the Year was the Light House, praised by the award judge as "a beacon of engagement, diversity and community spirit".

Employee of the Year was Luke Russell of Vaal & Vaal in Chapel Ash, praised for displaying "the ultimate definition of good customer service, dedication and enthusiasm".

The award for Excellence in Team Development went to Zaks Hairdressing in School Street, for demonstrating "true commitment and consistency in the development and training of their staff," while the award for Independent Employer of the Year went to Root 66 Hair Care in Hall Street, Bilston. Event host Elliot Holman, from Signal 107, said: "People working for this business are inspired by the boss, feel encourage and supported."

The Best Dressed Retail Store was designer clothing store Diffusion, in Lichfield Street, said to be "immaculate inside and out", while the Grand Theatre was declared Hospitality and Leisure Business of the Year. Events manager Charlotte Davies said: "It's fantastic, really wonderful to get recognition for all the hard work we put in and for providing excellent customer service."

There was also an award for The People's Favourite Business, based on a public vote from more than 4,200 people, which was won by Robinson's Bakery in Trysull Road. Owner Rob Green has built the business over the last three years after taking over three premises from the collapsed Firkin chain. He said: "I'm shocked, completely and utterly shocked. It's been hard work, establishing ourselves as part of the local community. This is great for all our staff."

Keeping the crowd laughing during the evening was Black Country comedy character and Express & Star columnist Doreen Tipton with her alternative 'Why?" awards, highlighting some comic retail disasters.