More Awards for Bringing the outside in

Bringing the outside in has walked away Highly Commended at the Spring Fair Awards and Runner Up in the Coast Awards.

The aim of the Spring Fair Awards is to recognise innovation and ingenuity in the home and gift markets.. Judging was carried out by a panel of experts that was chaired by Tim Danaher, editor of Retail Week and included industry association leaders and trade journalists, alongside marketplace celebrities Linda Barker and Fiona Webb.

Retail Week editor, Tim Danaher commented: "I've been really impressed with the quality of the entrants to the first Spring Fair Awards. Covering the length and breadth of the UK, what really shone through was the incredible enthusiasm shown by the independent retailers which entered, despite what are hugely challenging times for all businesses. It's not going to be easy for anyone in this market, but the focus these companies have shown on offering great products, understanding their customers and being at the heart of their communities should hold them in good stead for 2009 and beyond."

The winners of the Coast Awards were announced in March issue of Coast Magazine.. Bringing the outside in was extremely happy to be acknowledged in the awards for a 2nd year  running with this year Runner Up in the Best New Business By The Sea  category.

Based in the village of Holkham on the North Norfolk Coast, Bringing the outside in is more than a shop: it’s a lifestyle.

Owner Martin Billing commented; “I strive to hand pick a product range that is original, creative and reflective of the ever-popular coastline to complement an ever growing portfolio of my own Landscape Photography. Coastal living is at the heart of the business, and also at the heart of my customers, be they locals with a heart and home on the coast, holidaying families who come to explore what the Coast has to offer, or city folk with a second home by the sea; they all have an affection for the coast. It is important that customers to Bringing the outside in get the chance to experience a new environment when coming into the shop. With a keen eye for a striking mix of visual merchandising I’m able to create an environment that people feel relaxed in - somewhere to explore.”

“Its brilliant news to receive credit from both bodies on a national level, helping to put both Bringing the outside in and Norfolk on the map.”