There's absolutely nothing better for the business spirits than being nominated for an award. It's great to see what other businesses are up to as well. Then of course there's the bubbly at the awards ceremony itself...
There are scores of business awards in the UK which recognise the efforts of home grown companies. If you run your own small business, you probably know of some, or have put yourself forward for the running in a category or two. Indeed, if you've ever applied to be shortlisted for an award, you'll know that entry takes time and consideration to present your business relevantly and perfectly to be in with a chance of making it as a finalist. We were thrilled back at the end of July to hear that we'd made the final cut in the Brighton & Hove Business Awards 'Best Independent Retailer' category. Back in 2015, we won a whopping THREE BAHBAs! This year, however, we were up against three other local businesses to be shortlisted in the category were Present in the Laine the Bluebird Tea Co. and The Book Nook 
So we headed over to Brighton's resplendent Stanmer House for the BAHBA awards ceremony last month, where the theme was 'tropical' and our fingers were crossed for the prize scoop. We didn't win in the end (congratulations to The Book Nook who claimed the top spot!) but we had an absolutely brilliant night - the balloon animals were the piece de resistance. Can you tell?
Round the table from foreground left: MD Alice Rivers-Cripps, e-Commerce Manager Layla, Customer Service Manager Amber, Craft Manager Debs, Workshop Manager Beth, Despatch Manager Claire, and Brand Development Manager Katie.
We're the first to say that winning definitely isn't everything: it's the experience more than anything. But we're also quick to say that the experience of winning is a pretty good feeling too. So imagine our delight when, last night at Not On The High Street's 2017 Make Awards, we won in the 'Forever Lasting' category. Hurrah!
Top: Workshop Managers Beth and Jen accepting the award for Posh Totty Designs
Bottom: Our bestselling Personalised Family Names Necklace is the star of the show
Well done to everybody who was nominated and won at both the BAHBAs and the NOTHS Make 2017 Awards! You guys all work so hard and put so much love into your businesses: we think you're fantastic.
Learn more about the Brighton & Hove Business Awards (BAHBAs) HERE
