City's High Street Heroes' Honoured at Guild Hall Ceremony

Preston's 'High Street Heroes' were crowned at a city centre awards ceremony, last night. 

The competition, organised by Preston Business Improvement District (BID), and supported by Visit Preston, saw 17 awards handed out, following a public vote.  

The 'High Street Heroes' Awards aim to recognise the hard work and commitment of individuals, and leisure and retail businesses in the city centre. 

The ceremony, which took place at the new Guild Hall Lounge, saw more than 200 representatives from city centre businesses join together to celebrate their continued hard work and success. 

In the year the city lost one of its most treasured ambassadors - Dougie Lowe from Winedown - the awards honoured his memory by presenting the inaugural City Ambassador Award, the winner of which was chosen by city stakeholders, to Peter Jackson MBE. The owner of Peter Jackson the Jeweller was presented the award by Dougie's son, Will.  

The big winners on the night were the Spud Bros who took home three awards, while Action Records scored a brace, as did the ever-popular Rise.  

Hosted by Danny Bee and EastEnders legend Cheryl Fergison, the awards celebrate Preston's vibrant lifestyle economy and nightlife.  

Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council said:  

"Congratulations to all the winners at this year's High Street Heroes Awards.  

"Preston has an eclectic range of successful chains and inspirational, flourishing independent businesses and we wish them every success as our high street continues to grow from strength to strength." 

A BID spokesperson, said: 

"The high street can be a challenging place to do business. The finalists and winners, chosen purely by the public, have demonstrated their passion to the city, and to providing an outstanding experience to their visitors.  

"The winners, and finalists, deserve the opportunity to reflect on their hard work, determination and commitment - their efforts ensure that Preston remains a great place to enjoy. 

"We send our sincere congratulations to all of them and wish them continued success". 

The awards saw 110 finalists in 16 categories, with a total number of public votes reaching topping 61,000.  

Will Lowe, Winedown, said:  

"Dad would have loved tonight, and we would be so proud of what the business has done and Preston as a whole. He loved this city. 

"It's been an emotional few months and to come out with an award is great, I am over the moon for the city to pull together like it has for one of its own." 

Jacob Nelson, Spud Bros., said:  

"For once, I am speechless! What a night. Two Preston lads doing it for the city. It's been amazing!" 

The Winners

Bar of the Year

Winedown

Retail Manager of the Year

Gordon Gibson - Action Records

Club of the Year

Warehouse

Independent Retailer of the Year

Action Records

Leisure Manager of the Year

Will Lowe - Winedown

Market Trader of the Year

Livesey's Butchers

Customer Service Star - Retail

Jacob Nelson - Spud Bros

Customer Service Star - Leisure

Jessie Rose - Rise

Multiple Retailer of the Year 

Lush

National Eatery of the Year

Mowgli

Independent Pub of the Year

Chews Yard

Chain Pub of the Year

The Adelphi

Independent Eatery of the Year

Rise

Outstanding Achievement in Leisure

Ben Casey and Christine Cort - Chews Yard

Outstanding Achievement in Retail

Jacob and Harley Nelson - Spud Bros

Proud Preston Award

Jacob and Harley Nelson - Spud Bros

Dougie Lowe City Ambassador Award

Peter Jackson MBE - Peter Jackson the Jeweller.