West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says Knowle businesses are setting the standard when it comes to creating a vibrant high street – after two picked up major accolades at the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Mr Street, who heads up the West Midlands Combined Authority, was guest speaker at the annual awards ceremony at the Marriott Forest of Arden hotel near Meriden earlier this month.
The former Managing Director of John Lewis, who grew up in Solihull, told local business leaders about his plans to rejuvenate town centres, which include lobbying for tax cuts for high street businesses and encouraging public services to share premises with commercial businesses.
But after the ceremony he was full of praise for Knowle’s High Street, after local businesses scooped two of the biggest prizes on the night.
“Before becoming West Midlands Mayor, I spent three decades working in retail at John Lewis, so I understand the challenges faced by traders and what is needed to stand out in business,” he said.
“Knowle High Street faces the same challenges as everywhere else, but it is punching well above its weight to beat businesses from across Solihull to pick up these awards. It’s very encouraging indeed.”
Eric Lyons Fine Food Specialists won Outstanding Small Business of the Year at the awards. The family-run firm has been a fixture of Knowle High Street since 1903 and is proud of its reputation as a trusted, local retailer.
The shop has undergone major renovation in the past year, including the installation of a dedicated pie kitchen, a window fridge, and a ‘grab and go’ counter.
Since the revamp the business has enjoyed a welcome upturn in sales and a hoard of new customers.
The firm are big supporters of its local community, and every year host a BBQ for the Knowle and Dorridge Lion’s annual fun run.
While Eric Lyons has been a mainstay of the High Street since the start of the 20th Century, a business launched less than a decade ago picked up another of the evening’s major awards.
The trophy for Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year was picked up by Joseph Vaughan, owner and founder of 1683 Chocolate Place.
Joseph opened 1683 Chocolate Place in September 2015, just two weeks after he turned 16 years old, making him the UK's Youngest Chocolatier.
Joseph had a simple goal in mind: he wanted to make Luxury Artisan Chocolates using the best and freshest ingredients.
Mr Street said the two award winners showed Knowle High Street at its very best.
“Any successful High Street needs traders and shops that stand out from the crowd and really connect with the local community.
“In Eric Lyons, Knowle clearly has a long-standing firm that takes great pride in not only its products and customer service, but in its place in the community. Joseph Vaughan’s success shows that new businesses can also flourish if they take the same approach.
“Judging by the results of the Chamber of Commerce Awards, Knowle High Street is leading the way.”
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