Who gets your vote for best business in Inverness city centre?

MORE than 70 businesses are in contention for titles at an inaugural city centre awards – and now you have the chance to tell us which are the best of the best.

Your vote could be crucial in honouring the centre of Inverness’s most popular businesses next month.

Hundreds of nominations were made by the public in the Inverness City Centre Business Awards which is designed to recognise businesses for their tireless efforts – that may sometimes go unrewarded.

Spearheading the initiative to celebrate independent and national retailers, as well as charities, eateries and experts in hair and beauty is Inverness Business Improvement District (Bid), in conjunction with the Courier.

Votes should be cast before midnight on May 3. You can vote in as many categories as you wish, but just choose one in the category and give reasons why they should win.

One winner and up to two highly commended businesses will be named in each category.

Public recognition could act as a boost for winning businesses while providing a stamp of approval for their work.

The winner of each category will be announced in the Courier and the awards will be presented at a ceremony to be staged in the Mercure Inverness Hotel on May 17.

Mike Smith, manager of Inverness Bid, said: “Bid has been delighted with the number of nominations and positive comments received from the public recommending businesses for the awards.

“Given these are the first-ever Inverness City Centre Business Awards to have more than 70 finalists over the seven award categories shows the range of diversity and strength of the city centre offer.

“We would encourage the public to vote for their personal favourites.”

The Courier’s content editor Andy Dixon was delighted with the response.

“City centre businesses are key to Inverness,” he said. “We hope that plenty of readers want to see their work recognised with an award – especially those going the extra mile.”

The Courier office in Stadium Road is one of three places where boxes will be placed for completed voting forms. The others are the Victorian Market and Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Forms can also be posted to Inverness City Centre Business Awards, Inverness Courier, New Century House, Stadium Road, Inverness IV1 1FG.

Only businesses in the Bid area were eligible.

- To vote pick up a copy of The Inverness Courier. The voting form is printed inside the latest edition.

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