A FAMILY-run electrical appliances business in Christchurch has received two accolades at the annual Electrical Retail Trade Awards.

Purewell took home the award for UK Independent Electrical Retailer of the Year - the highest retail accolade in the industry - as well as UK Consumer Electronics Showroom of the Year for its new 15,000 square foot showroom just off Somerford Road.

Commercial manager Will Griffiths said: "We are thrilled and humbled to win two such prestigious awards.

"These are the biggest awards in our industry and to receive national recognition is a testament to our staff’s tireless devotion and obsessive focus on customer service.

"Purewell is a family business and despite turning 60 this year we feel younger and better than ever.

"Last year we opened our biggest and best store to date, putting a modern twist on electrical retailing. Our award-winning retail environment is created with the customer at the heart.

"Our aim is to help the people of Dorset and Hampshire get the best home entertainment and appliances at the best prices with the levels of service that only independent stores can offer."

Purewell, formerly known as Purewell Electrical, now offers more than TVs and appliances, with a kitchen design studio, cookshop, and a cookery theatre with weekly events hosted by local chefs in store as well.

Current managing director Ian Griffiths took over the business from his parents, Arthur and Doreen Griffiths, who founded the company in 1955.

Under his stewardship, in 2003, Purewell expanded from a high street retailer to a large superstore in the unit currently occupied by Lidl in Christchurch.

The company has continued to develop and is now in its largest store to date half a mile down the road.

"As retail has changed so has Purewell," added Will Griffiths.

"We are excited about the future and we will be opening a new store in Southampton in the coming months."