MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns has opened nominations for the 2025 Rutland and Stamford's Independent Shop Awards.

The award seeks to celebrate and raise the profile of local independent businesses across Rutland, Stamford, South Kesteven, and the Harborough villages.

In the 2024 competition, over 20,400 votes were cast, crowning Harrison and Dunn in Stamford as overall winners.

Last year's winner Harrison and Dunn (Photo: Alicia Kearns MP)

Speaking about the competition, Kearns said: 'Our independent shops make our communities such wonderful places to live and visit, bringing character, colour and life to our high streets.

'These awards celebrate those in our community who take risks, create employment and are the engines of our economy – so please do take a moment to nominate your favourite shops and show your appreciation for your favourite shop or café.'

This year, after lots of requests from the public, more categories have been added, allowing more local shops to get involved.

There are 18 categories that residents can nominate their favourite shows for this year, which are as follows:

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1. Beauty, pampering and wellness
2. Bookshop
3. Butchers
4. Café
5. Children and Babies
6. Clothing and Accessories
7. Craft and Hobby
8. Farm and Produce
9. Florists
10. Food and Drink
11. Garden
12. Gifts and Stationery
13. Hairdressers
14. Homeware
15. Music and Musical Instrument Shop
16. Pharmacy
17. Village Shop
18. Other

Shops can be nominated on Alicia Kearns' website.

Nominations will close on Friday 12 December at 5pm. Following this, a shortlist will be created and votes will open in January 2026.

The winner will be announced in February 2026.