Thousands of members of the public voted for their favourite local businesses in the Southport BID Southport Stars Awards 2023 – and the winners have now been revealed. Tony McDonough reports

 

Winners of the Southport Stars Awards 2023 were revealed in front of an audience of 150 people at the Vincent Hotel in the town centre.

Organised by Southport BID, this was the second year the awards had been held. They aim to celebrate the positive impact of the Southport BID business community, and to engage the public in recognition of local businesses efforts.

BID businesses were asked to nominate themselves for an award. That list was put out to a public vote.

More than 70 businesses were on the nominations list and 35,000 votes came from members of the public with the winners spread across nine categories. They were revealed at an awards ceremony this week.

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Businesses ran their own campaigns asking the public to vote for them. Two Special Recognition awards were also given to organisations who make a difference within the town centre.

Southport BID chief executive Rachel Fitzgerald, said: “Southport has a vibrant business community. It is a privilege for Southport BID to be able to recognise the work they do for our town all year round.

 

 

“Southport Stars is our chance to celebrate the vision, resilience and commitment of our business leaders who are the economic pillars of Southport’s town centre.

“Working collaboratively is the key to delivering a successful future to a coastal town such as Southport.

“It is a unique place within Liverpool city region, and contributes significantly to the offer of our region. Southport is a great place to live, work, invest in and visit.”

Full list of winners is as follows:

National Retailer of the Year

Winner: Marks and Spencer

Finalist: Primark

Independent Retailer of the Year

Winner: Whittakers Schoolwear

Finalist: Over the Moon Kids Boutique

Cafe of the Year

Winner: A Great Little Place

Finalist: The Pavilion Café, Bar and Bistro

Restaurant of the Year

Winner: The Swan Restaurant

Finalist: Great Himalayas

Pub, Bar, or Club of the Year

Winner: Southport Market Bar

Finalist: The Windmill

Leisure Venue of the Year

Winner: Southport Bijou Cinema

Finalist: Victoria Park

Health and Beauty Business of the Year

Winner: Element5 Hair and Beauty

Finalist: Beauty HQ

Hotel or Guest House of the Year

Winner: The Vincent Hotel

Finalist: The Bold Hotel

Expert Services Business of the Year

Winner: Santander

Finalist: Anthony James Estate Agents

Special Recognition Award 

Holy Trinity Primary School

Light for Life