AN UPPERMILL tea and cake shop is hoping to be crowned Britain’s Friendliest Business after reaching the finals of the national competition.
The Vintage Cupcake Kitchen on High Street saw off stiff opposition to be named in the last 20 of the award, which is sponsored by Liberis, one of the UK’s largest providers of small business funding.
Judges will announce the winner, who will receive £10,000 and the ‘Britain’s Friendliest Business’ title, and two runners up at the end of February.
And The Vintage Cupcake Kitchen, which is run by best friends Beth Blackmore and Hannah Jones, has impressed judges with their strong entry so far.
Judges praised how the duo has created a home-from-home for their customers, many of whom have their favourite tea cups and some of which are named after them.
And they particularly liked the company’s customer ethos: ‘We like to think we are at the heart of our little community.
‘We are based in a small village where we know all the locals and our customers are our friends; we know their kids and we know what they are going to order before they do!’
On reaching the award finals, Beth and Hannah said: “It really means the world to us and to read all the amazing comments is just overwhelming. It is really amazing to hear all those things and it makes what we do all worthwhile.
“We really couldn’t ask for nicer, friendlier customers and it’s a pleasure to bake cupcakes for you all and we are glad you enjoy coming into our little world.
“We already feel like winners so whether we make the top three or not we thank youfrom the bottom of our hearts.
“We couldn’t do what we do without our little team past and present, who all work so hard.”
Their competitors in the final round include Hollywood Fish Bar in Birmingham, The Bridal Gallery in Coventry, Big Dog World in Horsham and The Pheasant Inn in Cumbria.
And you can help The Vintage Cupcake Kitchen win by liking them on Facebook as this will be considered in the judges’ final decision.
They already have the support of loyal customers, whose comments include “it’s clear you put everything into the shop and you deserve the accolade” and “beautiful shop and gorgeous cupcakes – we drive over from North Wales to visit.”
Paul Mildenstein, CEO of Liberis, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the quality of entries and the obvious passion and devotion that Britain’s small businesses give to make sure their customers get the very best service.
“They should all be celebrated, but The Vintage Cupcake Kitchen really stood out.”
For more information about the competition and Liberis, who provide cash advances for small businesses, visit www.Liberis.co.uk or call 0845 268 9197.
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