Independent mobility retailer bucks high street trends with prestigious award nomination
With an average of one in eight high street shop premises lying vacant across the UK, high street shops up and down the country are struggling to remain competitive. Skegness’ People First Mobility however is proving high street retailers can still find success and has been nominated for the Small Awards’ best high street business accolade.
A regular on the award circuit, People First Mobility has been operating in Skegness since 2002, retailing a wide range of mobility aids and managed by its enthusiastic owner Karen Sheppard. The rural retailer also offers a hire service to those visiting the seaside destination for short periods, serving the town and surrounding areas, as well as running mobility scooter safety training days.
Competing against six other business in different sectors, the mobility retailer has been nominated for the High Street Hero award, a prize for the best high street business that recognises a company’s growth, creativity and commitment to their local communities.
Karen Sheppard, Managing Director of People First Mobility, said: “ I am so proud and honoured to have been chosen as a finalist in High Street Hero category of the small awards and am thrilled to take Skegness to the London Awards and shout about the retail on the High street in town.”
Launched in 2017 and sponsored by Indeed and TSB, the Small Awards focuses on showcasing some of the best of the UK’s 5.6 million small businesses. Winners of The Small Awards will be crowned at an event at Marylebone’s historic St Mary’s church.
In total, the awards ceremony will see companies celebrated across eleven categories, all highlighting the vibrancy of the UK’s small business sector which turns over £1.9 trillion each year.
Michelle Ovens MBE, Founder of The Small Awards, said: “The Small Awards celebrates the huge contribution that the UK’s 5.6 million small businesses make to the economy and broader society across the country.
“There are huge numbers of small businesses doing great things, making great products and excelling in customer service, and they all deserve recognition. I am proud that there is now a spotlight on vibrant, dynamic and exciting UK businesses such as People First Mobility.”
In February 2019, Karen was the focus of THIIS’ Retailer Spotlight, discussing her personal investment in improving and enhancing her digital knowledge to ensure she can remain competitive as the retail landscape continues to evolve.
