MP Rachel Maclean is calling on Redditch shopkeepers to enter the Best Small Shops Competition.

The annual awards celebrate the successes of small shops and the central role they play in their local community, particularly in response to Covid-19.

From Inkberrow to Feckenham, to Matchborough and Church Hill, the small shops can be based anywhere in the constituency.

The competition is free to enter and all shops who enter will also be promoted to consumers through an online Indie Retail Directory.

Shopkeepers can nominate their businesses until Friday, September 11 2020 via bestsmallshops.co.uk.

A shortlist will be announced in October with winners announced in November.

The judges will be looking for evidence of a small shops’ entrepreneurial spirit, ways that they have been innovative in their business and what they have done to have a lasting positive impact on their community.

The shortlisted small shops will then be in with the chance to win one of five awards, including the newly launched award for small shops response to Covid-19.

Mrs Maclean said: “Small shops are the backbone of our local economy. They are at the heart of their communities and they are loved by their customers.

“As we bounce back from the impact of coronavirus, I’m encouraging everyone to #ShopLocal as our small and independent shops need our support more than ever. And what better way to celebrate our small shops by encouraging them to take part in the Best Small Shops Competition.”