Bangor businesses have been given a boost after an incredibly difficult year, when the local public voted in the inaugural business awards.

The awards were organised by Business Improvement District – Bangor First, to celebrate the hard work and the contribution of the many great businesses on Bangor High Street, which is especially pertinent after such a difficult year.

With over 300 High Street businesses, in the first instance the public nominated businesses in each of the twelve categories, before voting on a shortlist to decide the winners.

Over 1,000 votes were received, although initial plans to hold a charity presentation evening were curtailed due to the Covid-19 crisis, each winner received a beautiful, engraved glass trophy to keep and display on their premises.

Chair of Bangor First, Pamela Poynton, said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult year for High Street businesses, with a number of notable closures as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We felt it was important to recognise the hard work of each and every business on the High Street after such a difficult year.

“Asking the public to vote was a great way to engage with people and bring their focus back to the High Street and the diversity of shops and businesses we have in Bangor.

“Every winner has been absolutely overwhelmed to receive the award, it’s given businesses a huge boost after such a difficult year, not just the winners, but all our great businesses who have shown determination, hard work and creativity during this unprecedented year.”

Categories & Winners

Best Takeaway – Valla’s Chippy

Best Café/Restaurant – Clio Lounge

Best Retail Outlet – Debenhams

Best Hairdresser/Barber – Danny’s barbers

Best Health & Beauty – Beauty at Superdrug

Best Office/Professional Service – Polka Dot Travel

Best Pub – Clio Lounge

Best Customer Service – Garden Cantonese Restaurant

Best Use of Welsh – Mrs M.W Williams Opticians

Best Tattoo & Piercing – Jules Tattoo

Best Overall Multi-National Store – Debenhams

Best Overall Independent Business – Williams and Goodwin

 

Photos:

Image 1: Michelle Valla receives her award for the best High Street Takeaway at Valla’s Chippy.

Image 2: Staff at the Garden Cantonese Restaurant receive their award for Best Customer Service.

Image 3: Staff at Williams & Goodwin Estate Agents celebrate winning the Best Overall Independent Business.