Chris Hurdman from Thame in Oxfordshire has been named as one of Britain’s high street heroes.
Chris has been shortlisted in the third annual Great British High Street competition as one of the top 3 market champions in the country. Now, to be crowned champion, Chris needs your votes.
The final rankings release by the Great British High Street Competition has revealed that in that in the market champion category, Chris is in third place.
- Nicola Martin, Ashton under Lyne
- Beverley Milner Simmonds, Burnham on Sea
- Chris Hurdman, Thame
However, with a few days to go until the public vote closes there’s still time for Chris to get those votes in and turn things around.
Between now and 18 November you can cast your vote for Chris for free at http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/finalist-retail-market-champion
Chris Hurdman said:
“I was honored and humbled to have been nominated by the people of Thame for the Market Champion Award and feel like a real winner. I didn’t realize that the work I do on the market was so appreciated”
After setting up two trader-operated markets Bicester and Kidlington, Chris introduced new initiatives on Thame Tuesday Royal Charter Market like community stalls to raise money for local charities. Working closely with local shops and Thame council to promote the high street, Chris also lays on events to bring visitors and shoppers into the town, such as for the Queen’s 90th birthday.
If Chris wins, not only will he get a share of a £10,000 prize pot, but he’ll win expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for shops, bars and restaurants and a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to boost his social media skills.
High Streets Minister Andrew Percy said:
“The buzz generated by this year’s competition has seen a record breaking 400,000 votes cast already.
“Chris has worked hard but this is the last push and there’s still everything to play for, so get online and vote now.”
The Great British High Street Competition 2016 celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets. It is one of a number of initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.
New to 2016, the competition is also looking for individuals to win a ‘high street hero’ award. With categories for store employees and market managers, the competition is recognising individuals who are making a difference to their local communities.
This year’s competition saw a record 900 entries across all 14 categories, including the new categories for individuals and shops. The 12 finalists in the 4 categories for high street heroes were announced on 18 October and the public has the chance to vote directly for the people working hard for their local high street.
Voting closes on Friday 18 of November and winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Monday 12 December.
