BUSINESSES in Wimborne have been celebrating their wins at the first ever Wimborne Business Awards. 

Celebrating most of all is the winner of two awards, the Overall Business of the Year Award and Independent Business Award, is The East Street Deli in East Street. 

The delicatessen was opened up in 2020, when the country was in lockdown and the economy was on the verge of a recession. 

Proud of their awards, owners Simon and Claire Warren said: “We were absolutely delighted to win the awards.  

“To get one was absolutely great but to pick up Business of the Year as well was a huge, huge honour. 

“Running an independent retail business at the best of times is tough but combining that with the uncertainty that Covid brought has made it all the more challenging.  

“People probably thought we were a bit mad opening when most of the high street was closed but we were confident that we could make it a success.  

“It’s been hard, all-encompassing work but we’ve loved every single second of it. 

“After almost two years of trading we have not only survived but thrived and can’t wait to continue to grow the business. We’ve got so many plans but just need to find the 25th hour in the day to fit them in.” 

Sam Devlin, director of Vetsmiths in West Borough, said: ‘We couldn’t be happier at winning the new business award at the inaugural Wimborne Business Awards 2022. 

“Opening amidst a global pandemic was never in the plan, but with the commitment and enthusiasm of our amazing team and the fantastic people and other businesses of Wimborne here we are a year and a bit on.” 

Other businesses to win awards include Teachers Building Society, The Wimborne Pig and Spill the Beans.