The results are in, and MP Alicia Kearns has announced the overall winner and winner in each category for her annual Rutland and Stamford's Favourite Independent Business Award. 

This year, the competition saw over 20,400 votes for businesses across 16 different categories, demonstrating the huge variety and innovation of businesses in the area. 

The winner for 2024-5 was Harrison and Dunn in Stamford, receiving over 820 votes. 

Winners were also selected from each category.

The winner for Beauty, Pampering and wellness was Sunset Beach Tanning Studio in Stamford, with Glow in Oakham taking the runner up spot.

For bookshops, Walker's Bookshop in Oakham came in first place with St Mary's Books in Stamford taking second place.

Mill Farm in Manthorpe won the Butchers category, with Farmer Lou on Barnsdale Avenue coming in as runner up.

 Stamford Garden Centre Café won the café category, with Central Café and Tea Rooms in Stamford as runner up.

For Clothing and Accessories, Energy Clothing in Stamford won and B Boutique by Rebecca came runner up.

Noughts and Crosses in Stamford won the new for this year Children and Babies category, with Stork of Stamford coming second.

In the Craft and Hobby category, The Place in Stamford won, followed by Wool Zone in Oakham.

For Farm and Produce, Farmer Lou won, with Rectory Farm Shop in Great Easton coming in as runner up.

Hambleton Bakery in Oakham won Food and Drink, followed by Askers Bakery in Stamford.

For Garden Centres, Rassell's Nurseries in Little Bytham won with Waterside Garden Centre, Baston coming second.

Love it, Stamford won for Gifts and Stationary, followed by Quirky Bird, Oakham.

In the homeware category, Country Traditionals in Stamford won, followed by Knights of Oakham.

Rutland Late Night Pharmacy won for Pharmacies, with Stamford Pharmacy coming in second place.

Village Shop was won by The Village Stores in Ryhall with Bytham's Community Shop coming runner up.

Last but not least, Harrison and Dunn won the Special Commendation, with EDEN Tattoo and Piercing Studio coming second.

According to Alicia, "It has been such a joy to celebrate all of our wonderful independent shops over the past few weeks and read all of your lovely comments about your favourites. 

"Giving independent business owners the good news has been the highlight of my year – especially when so many are having such a tough time of it. These shops really do make our high streets and communities what they are, so thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and show your support for them, especially at this slower time of year. 

"Congratulations to all of our winners whose hard work and contribution to our communities had been deservedly recognised, and to everyone nominated as it means you're beloved locally!"