WIRE Awards reveal city's 'Favourite Retailer' finalists

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Batteries Not Included at the Wulfrun Shopping Centre, Party Angels on Cannock Road, The Moby Shop on Bilston High Street, and Zuri Coffee on Lichfield Street, are all in the running for the coveted prize at the first annual city awards.

The Express & Star is sponsoring the award, with almost 3,000 public votes being cast before the deadline on 28 June.

The winner will be crowned at the WIRE Awards ceremony at Molineux Stadium on Tuesday 18 July.

Eleven other awards will be handed out at the prestigious event, with 24 businesses shortlisted from 140 that made 359 entries across all categories.

You can view all the finalists in each category in the table below or by visiting Type=links;Linkid=8521;Title=Wire Awards 2017 Finalists;Target=_blank;.

The awards are being led by Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the city council, and will also be supporting charity, Promise Dreams, on the night.

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: "The judges have been overwhelmed by the number and the standard of entries received, especially as these awards are completely new to our city.

"It highlights the amazing diversity and quality of retail business in the area and how important it is that we celebrate and reward their success."

John Henn, Chair of Wolverhampton BID, added: "This award has given members of the public the chance to recognise the diverse and skilled independent retailers we have in this great city of ours and to give their endorsement to their favourite retailer."

Tickets for the WIRE Awards, at Molineux Stadium's WV1 Suite, are available from Type=links;Linkid=8071;Title=Wire Awards 2017;Target=_blank;.

The aim is to celebrate and praise the entrepreneurial spirit, dedication and hard work of those involved in running and managing a successful independent business, as well as to recognise the loyalty and dedication of the staff that work in this sector.

The other categories are Independent Retailer of the Year, Retail Personality of the Year, Excellence in Customer Service, Best Dressed Shop or Outlet, Employee of the Year, Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, Excellence in Staff Development, Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year, Community Retailer of the Year, Most Improved Business of the Year, and New Business of the Year.

Sponsors include Corporate Wolves and Venue Catering Partner, Signal 107, Meercat Associates Ltd, Yarrington, Mander Centre, Express & Star, City of Wolverhampton College, Wolverhampton Racecourse, Ramada Park Hall Hotel & Spa, NCP,  BCRS Business Loans, Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Wolverhampton Partners in Progress.

Finalists:

• released: Thursday 13 July, 2017