uk awards press release
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8 | BUSINESS To advertise email [email protected] THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015
REAL ESTATE
Agency does the double … again
HONOUR
Law firm ranked in Legal 500BEAUTY
Nail bar will be PeachyTHE regeneration of Peach Street is continuing with the announcement that a new salon will soon be opening.
Hoardings have appeared this week around the old Sapori building, on the corner with Cross Street, advertising the new Heidi Avery salon.
Speaking to The Wokingham Paper owner Heidi said that there is no specific date for the opening yet, but it is ‘very soon’.
She said: “We don’t have a specific date yet, but we are excited to get the signs up and we will be holding a number of events to mark our launch very soon so watch this space!”
Business Got a business story? Email news@wokingham paper.co.uk. or write to The Wokingham Paper,
Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
The Streets of Wokingham (IN Need) Have you seen the Homeless and Needy Within the streets of Wokingham “Kicking up the papers with their worn out shoes” Why is this happening to many people in our own town We need to help and provide care, shelter and a new life Join Wokingham IN Need and make a difference How can you help us to help those in need And provide the love and help they require “Let us take you by the hand And lead you through the streets of Wokingham” Wokingham IN Need will show you how to make a difference.
Contact Us Now: [email protected]
EXCLUSIVEBy PHIL [email protected]
A SHOP that has served generations is preparing to close – but the date for the falling of the final curtain has yet to be announced thanks to an encore from its customers.
Fame, the ballet and dancewear specialist in Denmark Street, has been serving the borough for more than 30 years, but launched a closing down sale at the beginning of October.
Proprietor Eileen Dowling has said that growth of online shopping means the business is no longer viable as a High Street shop,
although she is hoping to continue from her home in Sandhurst.
Speaking exclusively to The Wokingham Paper she revealed her sadness at the decision and also the assurance she’s received from customers since revealing the plans to close the store.
“It’s been an overwhelming reaction. People have rallied
round and it’s been lovely – people don’t want us to go,” said Ms Dowling.
“I’m not having second thoughts but it is quite emotional. I’m going to partly retire and I’m hoping
to carry on from a base at home. We’ll keep it going in a
small way. I’m past retirement age so I want to take it easier.”
While the internet is the main reason
for the store’s closure, a sign in the shop written by Ms Dowling reveals that “in the last few years things have been difficult… making it no longer viable as a High Street shop, with the rent, rates and other business expenses”.
Since opening in 1983, the shop has welcomed thousands of people for dance and ballet gear including shoes.
Ms Dowling said that the response over the past few weeks has shown the support Fame has had.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Some people have come back for the second generations.
“I’d like to get the message out that I’d like to thank people for their support.”
Although there is no final day announced – “I haven’t fixed the actual date,” said Ms Dowling – the sign in the store says that the store will close in November.
RETAIL
Not gonna live forever – shop prepares for last danceA WOODLEY solicitors which
specialises in family law, has once again been ranked at a Leading Firm in this year’s Legal 500.
Senior chartered Legal Executive Madeleine Young, who heads up the Woodley office of KJ Smith Solicitors.
She has also been singled out as a Leading Individual for her “great wealth of knowledge about divorce law, excellent client management, and spot-on legal advice”.
The firm is headed by founding partner Kerry Smith who attracted praise for her “relentless pursuit of her clients interests”.
The Legal 500 is now in its 28th year
and is regarded as the UK’s leading guide to the UK’s best law firms.
All firms and individuals are chosen purely on merit based on detailed research conducted by their team.
Speaking about the accolade, Dave Pickup, head of marketing and HR, said: “We are delighted to be seen as a Leading Firm for the second year and it is great to see Madeleine being highlighted as a Leading UK Lawyer.”
The firm is in its sixth year and it now has six offices in and around the Thames Valley. It plans to open a new office every year to extend the reach of its services to more and more clients.
Dave Pickup and Madeleine Young outside KJ Smith Solictors office in Woodley
A LOCAL estate agency chain is celebrating after winning two top awards … for the second year in a row.
Prospect, which has branches in Wokingham and Winnersh, scooped Best Estate Agency and Best Lettings Agency in Berkshire at the International Property Awards.
The awards are said to be the most prestigious in the country and recognised by property enthusiasts across the globe. Prospect submitted a winning presentation which it said demonstrated
the level of customer service and marketing it provides, as well as its support for local community projects.
The presentation was deemed to be the best in Berkshire by the judging panel that was chaired by Lord Best. The panel included: Judith Baker, Travel Writer and Editor; Peter Bolton King, Global Property Standards Director at RICS and Doreen Boulding, Founder of DMB.
Winning these awards has resulted in Prospect’s nomination for Best Lettings
Agency in the UK – one of just two agencies in contention for this award, which will be announced in a ceremony later this year in Dubai
Managing Director of Prospect, James May, said he was delighted that his company has been recognised as the Best Estate and Lettings Agency in the county for the second
year in a row. He said: “We were so
proud and delighted to have won last year, but to win
again has surpassed all expectations.
In the previous 12 months, the Prospect team has continued to work tirelessly to further enhance
our customer’s experience, going
above and beyond expectations.”