Shotley Premier Stores and Post Office narrowly missed out on the top prize in Babergh's first ever Innovation Awards tonight, but will still be rewarding their customers in the morning.

Manish Patel, along with his family and staff at the shop were praised for their human touch and innovation towards customer service.

The Shotley shop, owned by the Patel family, has been named in the final three of the Innovation in Customer Service category, sponsored by Larking Gowen, and lost out to West View IT Limited from Stowmarket, while Andrew's Quality Butchers, from Hadleigh were also shortlisted.

Manish instantly praised the winners and is already looking forward to his latest project aimed at continuing their outstanding customer service.

"Congratulations to West View, they have obviously excelled in what they do and I'm delighted for them," said Manish. "We were honoured to be shortlisted and our customers will continue to come first for us. They are the lifeblood of this shop."

Shotley Premier Stores launches it Premier Loyalty card on Wednesday morning, and the first 100 customers who sign up will be treated to box of bespoke Turkish Delight sweets.

Babergh's Customer Service Innovation award was given to the sole trader or company that demonstrated the best application of new methods, practice and technology - to improve the customer experience, and recognised the best practice in delivering innovation in customer experience.

Judge Julian Muston said: "Shotley Premier Store was recognised by the judges as being more than just a shop and a post office, in fact, it was central to the community with its vital service s the business has ensured the villagers received a first class service, both in store and with its deliveries.

"In its own words, 'sometime innovation does not have to be technical, human touch remains so important, too so many, for so long."

The awards ceremony will be hosted by compere Paul Graham with the keynote speech delivered by Thea Goodluck, Tech Nation's East of England Entrepreneur Engagement Manager.

There are awards for sustainability, food, healthcare, construction, as well as for innovation on the high street, in SMEs and micro-businesses.

Four talented people; Chloe Davis & Sophie Tapscott from The Mix, Ellis Heighes from Queue Technology Ltd and Piers Brady from Orbital Media have been nominated for the Rising Star Award which will celebrate the region's young innovator aged between 16-25.

The winners will receive a prize contributed by the category sponsor that will be a mixture of a cash grant as well as bespoke professional advice, support, or training.

Staff and family members of the Shotley shop, went above and beyond during lockdown, with free deliveries and other initiatives, then stunned villagers by handing out Diwali sweet treats to every home in the village as a thank you for being loyal love their 25 years,

Sponsors of the 2020 Innovation Awards include, Orbital Media, EO Charging, Larking Gowen, West Suffolk College, Scrutton Bland, the University of Suffolk, Central Suffolk Chamber, Norse, Business Growth Coaches Network Ltd and Hudson Group.

The awards were judged by some of the leading names in innovation and creativity in the county including Tim Robinson (TechEast), Justine Paul (Suffolk Market Events), Professor Gurpreet Jagpal (University of Suffolk) and Julian Munson (NALEP) as well as Councillors Michael Holt and Gerard Brewster from Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council, respectively.

See complete shortlistand full story here...