A SCOTTISH independent book shop has been named the UK's favourite family business of the year.
The Book Nook in Stewarton took the top prize after being nominated by numerous locals of the east-Ayrshire town.
People were full of praise for owner, Sarah Frame, with one writing: “Great book shop for the town. Helps kids and adults feel better. Sarah knows exactly what you want to read. They are very involved in the community and amazing with children.”
Another nomination read: "Sarah, the owner, is the loveliest person and puts so much effort and love into her business and also the wider community.”
Speaking on the win, Sarah said: “I am beyond thrilled. The fact that my wee tiny shop in our wee tiny town has won is incredible and it won’t just be me celebrating but everyone in Stewarton.
"Despite being forced to shut for a number of months due to the pandemic, everyone in the town rallied around us and we are eternally grateful for that. It’s great to see a whole community embrace books, adults and children alike, and each day that we’re open puts a smile on our face.”
The Book Nook was up against small family businesses from around the UK in a competition run by local shopping platform, ShopAppy.
From March to June, thousands of nominations poured in for small, family-run shops, pubs, bars and cafes, with the Stewarton shop eventually crowned Favourite Family Business of the Year 2022.
Founder of the app, Dr Jackie Mulligan, said: “We received thousands of nominations for family-run businesses around the UK and each one of them should be applauded for the value they bring to their local communities.
"The Book Nook nominations really showcased what a wide range of positive impacts a small business can have on its community. Despite being in a town of just over 7000 people, the quality of the nominations was unsurpassed. Here you have a small family business that is the beating pulse of an entire community and that is why they have been named ShopAppy Favourite Family Business of the Year 2022.”
