Heart of the High Street awards will celebrate top customer service across Aberdeenshire
A new retail awards scheme will shine a spotlight on the people and businesses which go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service across Aberdeenshire.
Launched this week, Aberdeenshire Council’s Heart of the High Street campaign aims to recognise the individuals, teams and businesses whose commitment to customer care helps keep the region’s town centres vibrant and welcoming.
With sponsorship from local businesses and organisations, the campaign has two key elements – a town centre awards programme and a business support programme focused on raising customer service standards.
Make your nominations by 7th June online at: engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/heart-of-the-high-street
Eight award categories have been created to reflect the range and diversity of businesses across Aberdeenshire:
Cllr Alan Turner and Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte launch the Heart of the High Street campaign
• Making Every Customer Count: Retail Award
• The Extra Mile: Professional Services Award
• The Warm Welcome: Hospitality Award
• The Experience Makers: Leisure & Tourism Award
• Supporting Health & Happiness: Wellbeing Award
• Outstanding Individual
• New Business of the Year
• Loves Local Ambassador
To be eligible, businesses must be based within a town centre and nominations can be submitted by customers as well as by businesses themselves. Public voting will be supported by an independent judging panel comprising representatives from the business community and Aberdeenshire Council.
Alongside the awards, the initiative will work with key partners including Business Gateway to promote and encourage customer service training and development opportunities. This will be supported by the creation of a network of business ambassadors, drawn from winning businesses, who will help showcase good practice through case studies and peer learning.
Two customer service training sessions have also been established to support local businesses in delivering outstanding customer service. The sessions provide practical tips, shared learning, and inspiration to help businesses strengthen service standards, build customer loyalty and celebrate our town centres. You can book your space at https://bit.ly/HeartoftheHighStreet
Cllr Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “Good customer service is one of the key factors which can set the in-person retail or service experience apart from that undertaken online, helping to drive local footfall and spend in town centres.
"This is supported by research which has found that good customer service is a key driver for improving town centre vitality and viability.
“Alongside the economic benefits, in-person visits to Aberdeenshire town centres also offer an opportunity for social interactions. These are vital because they foster community belonging and improve physical and mental wellbeing.
"By serving as focal points for people to gather and connect, town centres can become powerful public health and community assets. I would encourage our communities and businesses to get nominating now to ensure that our good service is duly recognised.”
The inaugural Heart of the High Street awards ceremony will be presented at a showcase town centre event in September.
For more information, email heartofthehighstreet@aberdeenshire.gov.uk