Andover has an incredible, growing array of local independent businesses. Every year Muddy Stilettoes in on the hunt for small indie businesses to take part in the biggest and most respected small business lifestyle award in the UK. The Muddy Stiletto Awards, where the public vote. This year a massive 10 in Andover have made it through to the finals. #inlovewithlocal
Voting ends on the 23rd July @5pm
Muddy Stilettos, was born in 2011 as a way for journalist Hero Brown to find things to do locally after moving house to another county. Muddy stilettos, is an ‘urban guide’ giving you the lowdown on the latest and best in independent fashion, boutique interiors, destination dining, cosy countryside pubs and a whole spectrum of other brilliant, inventive local businesses, says Heidi (Hampshire editor)
The Muddy Stiletto Awards have been running for 8 years now, as a way for the public to vote who they thing are the very best independent businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Unfortunately, due to covid-19the awards were unable to take place last year, however this year there has been an incredible response with over 500,000 people voting for who they thing has the most unique, creative or quirky business.
There are 27 lifestyle categories and 5 finalists in each. Andover has an outstanding amount of businesses who have all made it through to the final round:
Best Bar – SP Bar
Best Destination Pub – The George & Dragon in Hurstbourne Tarrant and The Crown Inn in Upton
Best Family Attraction – Finkley Down Farm
Best Fitness Instructor – Vicky Lewis
Best Garden Designer – Amy Perkins
Best Gift Shop – Mooch
Best Interiors Store – La Di Da Interiors
Best Jewellery Store – David Mellor Family Jewellers
Best Theatre – The Lights
Awards like these mean such a lot to little companies like these. Many are working for themselves and therefore on their own most of the time meaning that there are no appraisals or report writing so when the public vote it really helps to gives these local independent businesses some much needed recognition and showcase how awesome they are. For Andover to get 10 businesses into the finals is just incredible and we are very lucky to have such a variety of wonderful businesses surrounding us.
Speaking to Andover Radio 95.5fm, Heather Whittam, Venue Director at The Lights said “The Lights team is thrilled that local people are voting for the venue in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2021 in the Best Theatre/Arts Venue category. We have been humbled and overwhelmed by such support, particularly during a period of prolonged closure due to Covid. We have recently announced our re-opening date as 27 September, and cannot wait to welcome all our wonderful patrons back.”
Steph Biggs owner of La Di Da Interiors told us “We are through to the finals of the Muddy Stilettos Awards for the Best Interiors Store in Hampshire. We are thrilled to be through to the finals of this award because it’s voted by the public.
“We are honoured that our customers have nominated us, especially as we have been shut for so long and have also moved premises this year! The competition is fierce this year so please do vote for us before 23 July and let’s see if we can bring home the trophy again! Andover should be really proud of our local businesses that have made it through to the finals”
George from Mooch told us “We are absolutely thrilled to be one of the final 5 finalists in the Muddy Stilettos Awards for the Best Gift Shop in Hampshire and IOW this year. We are very lucky to have such supportive customers who have appreciated our efforts to keep going, and we thank them for their continued support and custom. Without them we would not have survived and got to the final!
“Thank you to everyone who has voted for us and it’s fantastic to see other local businesses in the final too as it helps to put Andover on the map and shows that with the right customer service, independent businesses can thrive despite a difficult year”
Vicky Lewis who specialises in women’s fitness commented. “I really am over the moon to be a finalist for muddy Stiletto awards, especially after setting up my business during lockdown a year ago It’s been a very busy but fantastic year meeting and working with so many different ladies.
“It all started with my first cooperate bootcamp for the staff of YMCA Andover, Over the past year I have set up fun friendly and energetic bootcamps for the local community, personal training from Caffreys gym (who have been incredibly supportive), I have run my first online coaching team ‘feel gr8 in8’ and recently just collaborated with Aurora beauty wellness creating ‘ fit& flow’ monthly events bringing the local community together .”
Patrick, from George and the Dragon in the local village of Hurstbourne Tarrant said “We are so thrilled to have made it to the Finals of the Muddy Stiletto awards. After an ‘interesting’ year, it means so much to our very hard-working team to know that our customers are thinking of us.”
Amy Perkins, Landscape gardener and winner of RHS Flower Show Malvern Silver-gilt Medal & People’s Choice 2015 told us “I’m truly honoured to be shortlisted for this award. I love what I do, so to be shortlisted for an award really is the icing on the cake!”
Amy Perkins Garden Design creates beautiful gardens, sympathetic to their location and setting, throughout Hampshire and neighbouring counties.
These businesses are awarded from your votes, so let’s bring it home to Andover and get as many of these local independents recognised. To vote Muddy Stilettos Awards 2021 – Vote for your favourite Hants & IOW business
