High Street Heroes Awards 2024

The High Street Heroes Awards 2024 took place in late November at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium, and we had a fantastic response from the public who nominated 28 businesses and charities, along with some of the individuals working within them.

These awards now in their third year were run in partnership with One Maidstone and Metro Bank and they reward examples of excellent customer service from businesses and their individual employees.

This year we also had a judges award as the standard of nominations was so high, making choosing the winner in every category very difficult. Also, this year it was exciting to see some relatively new businesses to the town centre nominated, which is hopefully a sign that the town centre here in Maidstone continues to be a great place to set up and run a business.

Maidstone has also benefited this year from the extra footfall and attention from the Shaun in the Heart of Kent Art Trail organised by the Heart of Kent Hospice and we were very pleased to be a part of that with our own Shaun located on the High Street at the top of Mill Street.

This brought over 217,000 visitors into the town who engaged with the trail and while they were in the town and:

55% of them went shopping

74% of them spent money on food & drinks

and 58% of them visited museums and other attractions.

The trail brought an economic impact of £6.8 million to the town, contributing a £2.07m Gross Value-Added benefit to the local economy.

THE RUNNERS-UP AND WINNERS

Retail BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NOMINEES were:

Salamander

N2 Sweet Lab

Little Stars

Grimhilda’s Kitchen

Keller News

Zippy Stitches

Golden Boot

Making a Difference to Maidstone

The RETAIL WINNER was Salamander.

“This shop is a safe place and haven for me. I am always made to feel welcome; all staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I would like to give a special mention to one member of staff who a few weeks ago helped me in the shop with some difficulty I was having in my personal life. This shop isn’t just a business who wants to make a profit, they care about each and every person who walks through the door.”

Individual nominations for RETAIL EMPLOYEES were:

Josie Long from Salamander and The team at Making a Difference to Maidstone.

The WINNERS were Making A Difference to Maidstone.

“Making a Difference to Maidstone has helped hundreds of residents who have suffered from crisis in their lives. It cares for them, advocates for them, treats them like human beings instead of a number and follows up with them. Making a Difference to Maidstone aims to leave no one in need. The bookshop and community hub offers a place of safety and friendship. The High street charity shop gives a place of belonging to the volunteers and star, some of which started as clients, and it is a great destination on the high street for quality goods at good prices.”

Hospitality BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NOMINEES were:

Pokeprep

Matestone

Ovation Maidstone

Craft Brewed

Frederic’s Bistro

Café Beck

Café Riviera

The hospitality WINNER was Ovation Nightclub.

“Ovation is something really special. It’s not like other clubs, you feel part of the family when going there. The staff are always happy, and the service is fantastic. It’s rare to go to a club and see staff having a good time. I specifically want to mention Carla who goes above and beyond to look after my group when we visit. We go there every week now and it’s always excellent. The security team are also really friendly and welcoming. It’s a safe space for music lovers to go out with friends as well as meet new people. A very rare and special find.”

Individual NOMINATIONS for hospitality employees were:

George from Matestone

Ajay from Craft Brewed

Carla from Ovation Nightclub

Marietta from Café Beck

The WINNER was Ajay Davis of Craft Brewed.

“Always greeted with a smile, always knows your drink and the way you like it. Is there more of a friend now and listens to your problems and asks how you are. He has worked tirelessly to make his shop the friendliest and most welcoming place on the High

Street. Everyone of all ages and personalities gets his unique attention resulting in familiarity, comfort and regular custom. He has created a thoroughly unique hybrid of coffee shop and relaxed craft beer bar and he’s a thoroughly nice guy.”

The ’OTHER’ BUSINESS CATEGORY NOMINEES were:

Nationwide Building Society

Bisi Beauty

Mid Kent Mind

Urban Blue Bus

Hazlitt Theatre

Mancave

Maidstone United FC Raiders

The OTHER CATEGORY WINNER was Bisi Beauty.

“I get my hair done regularly with Bisi Beauty, their customer service is what brings me back monthly, not just the excellence in skill. I always feel welcomed, with a drink, great conversation with friendly and caring people. The owner is very friendly and a joy to be around.”

Individual nominations for OTHER EMPLOYEES were:

Erin Eversfield from Switch Youth Services

Lorraine Humm, Maidstone United FC Raiders

Zoe Burgess from Nationwide Building Society

Steven Pankhurst from One Maidstone

Harry from Mancave, Maidstone

The WINNER was Steven Pankhurst from One Maidstone Bid Team.

“Steven has been the bridge between businesses and the police for antisocial behaviour and criminal activity affecting businesses in Maidstone town, working day in, day out to identify the people responsible to help Maidstone to be a safe place to work and a great place for customers to shop.”

The judges award went to Mid Kent Mind as they felt that their work crossed over the town centre on so many different levels that they should be singled out and thanked.

“Mid Kent Mind are a fantastic charity that support mental health in the community, to ensure that everyone is able to gain support. They offer social groups, counselling, youth support such as going into schools and holiday workshops. They have helped over 2,000 people within the last 12 months and have exceptional staff to support face to face, via zoom and telephone.”

Paul Mannering, Business Manager at Gullands was the host for the night and comments: “Once again we had a terrific response from the public who nominated all of the businesses, and it was a pleasure to see so many new businesses on our list this year. Maidstone is a vibrant place for businesses and the town centre has great support with the many different initiatives taking place to encourage people into it. Congratulations to everyone and we wish you continued business success over the coming year.”

The 2025 High Street Heroes Awards will open for nominations later this year.