Creative Cove, Jespers of Harrogate, Stationery Supplies and UOE Stores all shortlisted for BOSS Awards Independent Retailer of the Year.
The BOSS Awards recognise and celebrate excellence within the UK business supplies industry. This prestigious event honours individuals and businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement and innovation.
“This year our judges have noted the exceptional quality of entries across various categories, so congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted,” said Amy Hutchison, chief executive. “The team and I are excited to celebrate with you on 28 November at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.”
Among the list of awards to be given out at the ceremony is the Independent Retailer of the Year, with four retailers on the shortlist: Creative Cove in Lampeter, Jespers of Harrogate, Stationery Supplies in Marple and Wilmslow and UOE Stores, with nine branches in London and Hertfordshire.
Sandra Jervis of Creative Cove in Lampeter made the shortlist in 2023 as well and said: “I’m over the moon to be a finalist again. It’s incredibly validating when people in a huge industry such as ours recognise what you do and say it’s worth something. And that’s what entering the Boss Awards is all about – recognising your worth. It’s something we’re not really comfortable with doing, but when you get that little email that says, ‘hey, you’re a finalist’, you allow yourself that little bit of self-belief to grow.”
UOE Stores is also on the shortlist for the second year running, with Elliot Jacobs, chief executive officer commenting: “We’re delighted and honoured to be shortlisted as a finalist for the second year in a row for Independent Retailer of the Year. Our entire team across our nine retail stores (including our latest location in Reigate) are excited to see if we can win the trophy this time! Fingers and everything crossed.”
Lynn Cummings, manager of Jespers of Harrogate is “absolutely elated that the business has been shortlisted as one of the Finalists for the Boss Independent Retail Stationers Award. It is a business that has always been independent and family owned and supports the local community in many ways. Our current owners, the Vickers family have taken Jespers into a new and exciting chapter and evolved the business yet again. The enthusiasm that the Vickers family has brought to the business has been amazing and we are now looking at ways to improve our ranges and promote the business further for the future. All this wouldn’t be possible though without our loyal customers and dedicated team who help the business to continue. We are looking forward to the Awards on 28th November and wish all the other shortlisted finalists the best of luck.”
Last year’s winner, Sarah Laker of Stationery Supplies told her followers on Linkedin: “I’m so chuffed to have been shortlisted in the BOSS Federation awards – the Oscars of the business supplies industry. It brings to mind the phrase ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. As an independent retailer my success is built on the steady support of the community around my shops, the loyal customers who shop with us every day – rain or shine. Then there are my amazing staff – Molly, Joan, Linda, Paula and Angie, who bring passion, dedication and a smile every day. Behind the scenes my family and suppliers play an equally vital role in helping the shops grow and thrive. This recognition belongs not just to me, but to everyone in our ‘village’—it’s a shared achievement that I am deeply proud of.”
National Stationery Week has also made the shortlist in Campaign of the Year, alongside Pukka Pads for its Irlen Comfort in Colour campaign. ExClair is on the shortlist for Brand Manufacturer of the Year.
