The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has opened nominations for this year’s Love Your High Street Awards, which recognise some of the best independent shops on the high street. The Association is inviting independent retailers across the UK to nominate their favourite local shops and encouraging communities to celebrate the businesses that make their high streets special.

Commenting is Bira CEO, Andrew Goodacre. “Every year, we’re blown away by the passion and creativity shown by independent retailers up and down the country. These awards are a chance for communities to say thank you to the shops that give their high streets character and heart. We’d encourage everyone to get behind their local favourites and nominate the businesses that deserve recognition. It’s a wonderful way to shine a light on the independent spirit that makes our high streets so special.”

Anyone taking part in the nomination process will have the chance to receive free Love Your High Street stickers to display in their windows. Love Your High Street Week, from 9-15 November, will mark the culmination of the awards, celebrating the winner as part of a wider campaign encouraging shoppers to support their local high streets.

“Love Your High Street Week is always a highlight of our calendar,” adds Goodacre. “It’s a week dedicated to celebrating everything that makes independent retail so important to our communities, and we can’t wait to see who this year’s nominees will be.”

To nominate a business, please click here.