Shipston sets its sights on the Great British High Street Awards

Shipston-on-Stour has set its sights on winning the newly launched Great British High Street Awards, based on its innovative loyalty card scheme, the vibrancy of the town centre, and the increasingly diverse range of shops and services Shipston has to offer. The awards, launched in June by the Department for Communities and Local Government, are designed to recognise examples of innovation, collaboration, transition and outcomes in towns across the UK.

Shipston Promotion Group, the body set up to run the Shipston Loyalty Card, is submitting the application on behalf of the town square, highlighting some of the many reasons why Shipston should be the judges’ choice, including:

Shipston Loyalty Card: The successful launch of the Shipston Loyalty Card, bringing together diverse businesses in a scheme that has enabled the community to benefit from loyalty discounts as well as news about latest offers designed to encourage people to shop in the town.

Over 2,000 people have signed up to the scheme, which has been running for over two years. Funded in part by Operation Footfall, the card has enabled local businesses to attract customers through email marketing and social media, as well as on the spot discounts in stores.

Community events: Shipston hosts a number of annual events, which are organised by local volunteers for the benefit of the community. Principal events include the Wool Fair, Shipston Proms, the Food Festival and Shipston Rotary Victorian Evening.

Every year, Shipston’s traders get involved in the events, supporting them through stalls, special products/offers, themed window displays and advertising support. The events attract thousands of visitors to the town, providing a great opportunity for the town’s businesses to make a positive impression and encourage visitors to return.

Growth in retail outlets: In the past year alone, Shipston has seen significant growth in new retail outlets and cafes, to the point where approximately 95% of available retail and catering units are now occupied in the town centre.

Church Street has seen a real revival with the opening of two clothes shops, a bookmakers and a children’s toys and clothes store, while the town centre now benefits from a choice of florists, cafes, delicatessens, butchers, hardware stores, food stores and newsagents.

Kate King, Administrator of Shipston Promotion Group and local retailer, said: “We are extremely fortunate in Shipston to have such a vibrant town centre which is well supported by shoppers. An impressive number of volunteers also give their time to organise special events which help put our town on the map.

“We are really excited to be entering the Great British High Street Awards and we hope the whole community will get behind the scheme by endorsing our application and sharing what they love about Shipston’s town centre.”

Entering the competition is just the start. Community engagement is a vital part of the award scheme. Shipston will be promoting the awards through its loyalty card Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/shipstoncard) and twitter feed (@ShipstonCard) using the hashtag #GBHighSt.

The Great British High Street Awards is being run by the Future High Streets Forum and the Association of Town and City Management. Shipston will be entering the Market Towns category of the new award scheme, which is a UK-wide competition. Once the entry has been submitted, the town will be calling on members of the public to get behind their entry and support the town centre.  Category winners will be announced in September.