Independent businesses in Stoke-on-Trent Central have been recognised by a local MP at the inaugural Small Business Awards.

The Small Business Awards were launched by Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, in the run up to Small Business Saturday.

Nominations were received for more than 70 businesses, with almost 1,500 votes cast.

Certificates have now been presented to 11 winning businesses, some of which were invited to a roundtable meeting with Small Business Minister Blair McDougall during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent for a roundtable with some of the firms earlier this month.

Blair McDougall MP, Gareth Snell MP and Keith Bott (Titanic Brewery – The Greyhound) (image via Gareth Snell MP)

Gareth Snell MP said: "Small businesses play a vital role in keeping high streets vibrant, creating jobs and driving the local economy.

"I was delighted to launch the first Stoke-on-Trent Central Small Business Awards and it was fantastic to see so many people voting for their favourite.

"The comments put to us about these businesses were really heartwarming and show what an asset these businesses are to the communities they serve.

"Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who nominated, voted and supported the awards."

The full list of winners is:

• Best Food Retailer – Hartshill Butchers
• Best Oatcake Shop – Foley Oatcakes
• Best Pub, Bar or Restaurant – The Greyhound
• Best Creative Business – HSL Pottery
• Best Service Business – Wards Property Management
• Best Florist – The Rose Bowl
• Best Sandwich Shop – Sam's Kitchen
• Best Book Shop – Vellichor Books
• Best Community Café – The Café Fenton
• Special Commendation for Charity Work – Sizzlers Fast Food
• Special commendation for Community Work – Taylor's Butchers

Sara Adams at HSL Pottery, winner of Best Creative Business, said: "For many years a lot of big businesses have always got recognition, particularly with big campaign adverts. Local news quite often cover big businesses but small businesses don't get mentioned as much.

"To get some recognition for all the hard work that a lot of people do is just amazing.

"I think we've got a lot of great businesses in and around the city that definitely deserve that recognition."

HSL Pottery produces handmade local pottery and runs workshops throughout Staffordshire and Cheshire. 

Sara Adams at HSL pottery called the recognition for small businesses 'amazing' (image via Gareth Snell MP)

Sara added: "For me, it's about making pottery accessible to everybody so I do a lot of mobile workshops with actual clay so people in and around Stoke-on-Trent can feel what clay feels like."

Mitch Hughes, director of Vellichor Books, winner of Best Book Shop, said: "I was really happy just to be nominated but then when I was presented with the award by Gareth Snell and Blair McDougall I think I was just really shocked that I had won."

Alongside selling books, Vellichor Books also runs events such as book signings, game nights and life drawing.

Mitch added: "We try to make it really community focused because I think that's what the high street needs."

Jonathan Lewis, owner of The Rose Bowl, winner of Best Florist, said: "My gran opened the shop in 1946, my dad went to work there when he was about 20 and I've worked there since I was 16 so it has been in our family for quite a long time."

Jonathan explained how recognition of small businesses is important in the local area.

He added: "With independent businesses it's important because otherwise we just give way to all the big boys.

"It's nice to have a selection of small businesses which is difficult these days operating costs and rising rates. But I think it's important that people have a nice choice of shops."

All nominated businesses received a commendation certificate.