DOZENS of local traders have already received glowing endorsements for this year’s Reading Retail Awards.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary, the event’s organisers will continue to look back at previous editions over the coming weeks.

Back in 2011, the second year of the retail awards, everpresent Sangeeta Bhabra was joined by Nick Hewer, now the host of Countdown.

He handed out 14 awards to deserving businesses and individuals.

John Lewis continued to dazzle the judging panel after a successful first year, bringing home another three accolades.

Fast-forward to the present day and the awards continue to hold similar principles of shining a light onto the unsung heroes in our community.

The culmination of the next few months will be the glittering black tie awards evening, which will take place on September 28 at the Hilton Hotel.

The awards are free to enter and there are three new categories this year, including Best New Store, Pub of the Year and Outstanding Achievement Award.

The nomination process is simple and is open until July 26.

Entry forms can be collected from the information desks in either The Oracle or The Broad Street Mall.

Tickets will be available, priced at £75 from the Reading Retail Awards website, from June.

List of 2011 Winners:

  • Promotional Initiative of the Year: Word Play
  • Independent Retailer of the Year: Cocoon
  • Multiple Retailer of the Year: John Lewis Partnership
  • Store Design and Environment of the Year: Bill’s
  • Shooting Star of the Year: Luke Smith, Zara
  • Manager of the Year: Gemma Lavender, The H Room
  • Learner of the Year: Hayley Southern, The H Room
  • My Favourite Coffee Shop: Delicious
  • Lovely Lunch: Bella Italia
  • Service with a Smile: John Lewis Partnership
  • The Shop I Can’t Live Without (Independent): Altimus
  • The Shop I Can’t Live Without (Large): John Lewis Partnership
  • The Shop I Can’t Live Without (Out of Town): Jennings of Caversham
  • Retailer of the Year: Smelly Alley Fish Company