Home, DIY and garden retailer Hurst is celebrating after being nominated in a national competition to find the UK’s favourite local business.
The firm, which is based right across the island in Newport, Cowes, Freshwater, Ryde, Shanklin and Ventnor has been praised for its friendly and helpful staff, choice and home delivery.
Shanklin resident Anna Hardy nominated Hurst in the competition and said:
“Hurst are always open on time and their range is excellent. I live in Shanklin and if they haven’t got what I need in the Shanklin store, they will call Newport and see if they have it. They make it easy to shop local. They’ll also deliver for free, which was especially useful during lockdown. The staff are always lovely.
“For me, Hurst wins every time on both price and quality. They are a special local business in the Isle of Wight and I would love to see them win the competition.”
Jevon Kennedy, the managing director of Hurst, has said:
“Hurst was established in 1859 with roots in agriculture and ironmongery. Over time, we have evolved to the 6 branches we have in the Isle of Wight today. Our objective at Hurst is to serve our local community, employing local people and supporting the island through initiatives like the annual Isle of Wight Day, fundraising and supporting local charities.”
“Our branches are hubs of the community, and most of our team know our customers by name and are always happy to make time for a chat. With a product like ours, having colleagues on hand to give good old-fashioned advice about the best product to use for that DIY project is, I think, really appreciated by customers.
Article continues below this advertisement “We’re also the only retailer to still sell single units, so if you just need a single bolt, you can buy a single bolt. Customers call Hurst an Aladdin’s Cave, because of the huge range of stock we carry.”
“It is a real proud moment for Hurst knowing that locals have taken the time to nominate us in the Help Us Find The UK’s Favourite Local Business competition, and is testament to our hard working team.”
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans – Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Regeneration, Business Development and Tourism – says:
“It’s fantastic to see nominations for a much loved Isle of Wight business, which does so much to support our community. Our local businesses are the lifeblood of our community, employing local people, keeping our high streets vibrant, and serving our residents and visitors day in and day out. Please continue to vote for your favourite Isle of Wight businesses so we can celebrate our local businesses. You could even win a £500 Wight Gift Card.”
The Wight Gift Card is part of the Town & City Gift Card initiative active across the UK and Ireland. Town & City Gift Cards is sponsoring the Help Us Find The UK’s Favourite Local Business competition.
Any local business can be nominated, with the business receiving the most votes being crowned as the UK’s favourite. The UK’s favourite business, and one person who nominated them, will receive £500 of gift cards.
Colin Munro, managing director of Miconex has said:
“Hurst is an excellent example of a local business that goes above and beyond to support its community, evidenced by the number of nominations we’ve had for Hurst since the competition opened. The winning business will be announced in December, and we hope to see many more nominations coming in for local businesses in the Isle of Wight.”
Isle of Wight residents can vote for Hurst, or any other Isle of Wight business, at www.lovelocalwin.co.uk. Voting closes on the 21st December.
I hope they’re first…
So do I,……..your up early…..?
From what I have experienced over the years, you will not find a better place to shop.
Well done Hurst and good luck.
That ‘Scott’ ish is ignorant and rude
All the years I’ve shopped at Hurst’s I’ve never found any of the staff rude! They are all friendly and helpful – cheeky once they get to know you! Couldn’t ask for more!
Fully agree a wonderful shop, sometimes with more staff than customers yet always happy to help, long may they continue.
Love the Ryde branch!
This nomination is so richly deserved. Hurst’s are one of the true shining lights of the islands’s high street; there simply is nowhere else to compete with them here-a lovely place to shop.