Loyal customers are being encouraged to ‘spread the love’ this Valentine’s Day by nominating their favourite independent shop or business for the prestigious Cheshire East Love Local Life Awards. All shoppers need do is nominate the shop of their choice in one or more of four categories by visiting the Love Local Life website . The categories are: outstanding service; best range of products; best value; best presentation.

Each customer nominating their favourite shop will be entered into a prize draw to win a voucher for £200 to celebrate with on Valentine’s Day.  The winning shops will receive a free business makeover review from expert ‘shop doctor’ Bill Smith who helps small businesses master entrepreneurial skills. The winning shops will also be given a year’s free subscription to the Love Local Life scheme, which is helping high streets across the Borough beat the economic downturn.

The Love Local Life card, which has so far been launched in seven Cheshire East towns, gives discounts to regular customers and promotes local shopping. Amanda Fazelynia, the business woman behind the campaign, said: “Love Local Life is going from strength-to-strength and these awards are our way of recognising all the hard work undertaken by the business community to keep our high-streets alive and thriving. It’s also a way of encouraging customers to support their local shops and join the Love Local Life scheme which offers great discounts on everyday shopping.”

For more information on the scheme, either as a card-holder or retailer wanting to participate, simply log on to the Love Local Life website.