Town gears up for business awards

The awards, which have been organised by the Act for Rotherham business group in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Rotherham Borough Council, are the first of their kind and will see more than 60 traders going head to head in a variety of categories.

The winner of the Advertiser’s Shoppers Choice award winner, voted for by our readers, will also be announced at the bash tomorrow, which takes place from 7.30pm at Rotherham Rugby Club.

More than 650 votes were cast in this category, which recognises the hard work and dedication of town centre businesses.

Donna Tuxford, who has been helping to organise the awards, said she was delighted by the positive response.

She added: “We were really pleased with the response from the text vote and we have already been approached by several other businesses who are keen to enter the next one. 

“These awards are all about giving Rotherham town centre the feel-good factor and recognising the fantastic shops there.

“There are some really diverse shops in Rotherham and this is about supporting them and sharing their success.

“And it’s not just about the shops, we want the shoppers to get involved and share with us their positive experiences.”

Act for Rotherham is made up of representatives from town centre businesses working together to make lasting changes, focusing on issues including safety, service, jobs, pride and the environment.

A total of 62 short-listed businesses are hoping to be crowned winners of their category following a decision made by an independent panel of judges.

See next Friday’s Rotherham Advertiser for a full list of winners or visit www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk.