Search is underway to find UK's best small shop

The search for the best small shop in the UK is underway as The Best Small Shops competition, managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), is launched to celebrate the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK's High Streets and the central role they play in their local community.

After successful campaigns initiated by the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group in 2011 and 2015 the competition is returning in 2018 and is set to be bigger and better than before. The evolving retail landscape has witnessed numerous high-profile closures of larger stores, but specialist independent retailers can thrive in this climate by delivering a truly unique retail experience thanks to the passion, service, flexibility and knowledge they offer.

The Best Small Shops competition is a chance to celebrate this unique industry and show customers what makes independent retailers so special.

The competition is open to any UK independent retailer, defined as a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption rather than for resale, from a business rated premises in the UK.

The competition will close in early September and 25 of the most impressive applications will be selected for a final shortlist which is submitted to a judging panel made up of key figures from the independent retail industry. These retailers will be invited to attend the competition reception in autumn 2018, where the winner will be awarded the title of Best Small Shop 2018.

In 2015 the shortlisted retailers attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament where they had the opportunity to meet with MP's, trade representatives and other shortlisted independent retailers before the winner, Hunters of Helmsley was announced.

To enter the 2018 competition applicants must showcase their innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and community ethos by submitting details of their business via the online application form.

Retailers can submit their entry at www.bestsmallshops.co.uk. To enter the competition you will need:

1) To be an independent retailer i.e. a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption, from a business rated premises in the UK.

2) To have a listing on the Indie Retail directory. If you don't already have a listing you can create one for free here.

3) To submit your entry by Sunday 9th September 2018. The IRC represents c.100,000 independent retailers throughout the UK, creating a growing retail network committed to the development and sharing of best practice among associations and their independent retail members. For more information, visit www.bestsmallshops.uk.