Hurst voted best UK local business

Isle of Wight retailer W. Hurst & Son has taken the top spot in a nationwide search to find the UK’s favourite local business

Thousands of nominations for businesses around the UK were received in the competition, sponsored by Town & City Gift Cards.

Hurst, which has six branches on the Island and dates back to 1859, was the winning business with more than 500 votes, and will receive £500 of Town & City Gift Cards to share with its staff.

Jevon Kennedy, managing director of Hurst, said: “There’s a real sense of pride at receiving this amazing accolade as the UK’s favourite local business.

“The high street has faced many challenges over recent years. It’s fantastic to see lots of new independent businesses springing up, who are dedicated to customer service.”

Hurst is part of the Wight Gift Card programme and accepts the card as payment at its branches and online. The Wight Gift Card was introduced by the Isle of Wight Council in November 2020 to encourage residents and visitors to shop locally and keep spend on the Island. Over 130 Island businesses accept it.

Jevon added: “It is absolutely essential for a local business like Hurst to be a part of the community, taking part in initiatives like the Wight Gift Card. Accepting the card has definitely helped our business with new customers and it has been a pleasure to be involved in, particularly when the Isle of Wight Council gave out the cards to carers on the Island to thank them for their service.

“The Isle of Wight has a limited population, and it is important that we help each other. A greater sense of loyalty and support for local was born in the pandemic, and if customers want to support us, then it’s only right that we support them and our community too.

“We’d like to say how much we appreciate every person who took the time to nominate Hurst. Every word, every comment, means the world to us.”

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for business development, said: “What a way to start 2023! We are so proud of W Hurst & Son, a stalwart of the Island’s high streets, receiving the prestigious accolade of the UK’s favourite local business.

“They go above and beyond to support the community, getting involved in charity events and activities, becoming a drop off point for the Isle of Wight Food Bank, and giving customers from the Island and across the UK award winning service.

“They have been very supportive of the Wight Gift Card scheme and totally understand the ethos behind it, keeping more of our Island pounds circulating here.”

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