Today, Monday 13 November, Alicia Kearns MP is launching her annual competition to find Rutland and Melton's Favourite Independent Shop for 2023-4. 

Nominations are now open, and Alicia is asking for residents to nominate their favourite shops so they can be shortlisted for the competition and public vote. 

Last year's competition saw 19,169 votes cast in total, and Gates Garden Centre was voted as the overall winner. 

The Gates Garden Centre Christmas display is in full swing. Image credit: Nub News.

There are 15 categories for nominations in this year's competition: 

• Beauty, pampering and wellness 
• Butcher 
• Café 
• Children and babies 
• Clothing and accessories 
• Craft and hobby 
• Farm and produce 
• Food and drink 
• Garden centre 
• Gifts and stationery 
• Homeware 
• Music and Records 
• Pharmacy 
• Village Shop 
• Other 

Oakham's winners in other categories included Rutland Late Night Pharmacy and Portess, both on Oakham High Street. View the full list of last year's winners and runner-ups here.

Portess were last year's winners of the Homeware award. Image credit: Alicia Kearns MP.

Nominations for this year's awards can be made via Alicia Kearns MP's website. 

Nominations will close on Monday 11 December 2023, before a shortlist of shops is created and voting opens until Friday 26 January 2024. Winners of the competition will be announced in February. 

Alicia Kearns MP, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: "We are very fortunate to have a wonderful selection of independent shops in our communities. These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate these businesses, and their important contribution to our local economy. 

Last year saw Rutland Late Night Pharmacy bag an award. Image credit: Alicia Kearns MP.

"This competition seeks not just to celebrate, but to help boost the profile of our independent businesses as we head into the busy Christmas shopping season. 

"Last year's competition was a resounding success, receiving thousands of votes, so I'm really looking forward to getting nominations underway again!" 

Nominate your favourite local business online until 11 December.