Town centre businesses are celebrated and commended for their personal service and going the extra mile for the local community
To mark Scotland Loves Local Week 26th August – Sunday 1st September – the winners of the inaugural Love Paisley Star Awards were announced. Created by Paisley First, the awards celebrate local Paisley town centre businesses by shining a spotlight on the businesses that make the town what it is.
Paisley First were inundated with entries by members of the public and presented a total of 12 categories with all the winning businesses receiving a bespoke Love Paisley Star Award and certificate, designed and created by BID Member, Muir Media.
Scotland Loves Local Week highlights the power to build stronger, more sustainable communities by choosing local. The initiative is led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership as a means to boost local economies and improve places by galvanising support for the people and businesses in them.
The 12 winners were as follows:
Buddie Best Business – WM Phelps
One of the town’s longest running businesses, William Phelps Butchers at 41 Causeyside Street, scooped the award for Buddie Best Business. This family-run business has sold quality dry aged scotch beef pork and lamb, sourced from farms in and around the Clyde Valley, to the people of Paisley and beyond, since 1965. James at Phelps commented “We’re absolutely delighted to have won this award. Thanks to everyone who voted for us. We’re celebrating 60 years in the town next year and the entire team at Phelps take real pride in serving our local community the very best in locally sourced produce.”
Best Shop Dog – What if?
As a proud ‘Paw Friendly’ town, Best Shop Dog goes to perfect pooch, Katie the poodle, from What if? At 25 Moss Street. Katie has captured hearts with her delightful charm and has added a special touch to every visit. Commenting on the award, Katie, said: “Woof!” Catherine McAtier, owner of Whatif? commented: “We’re delighted to have won the award for best shop dog! Katie is a big hit with every customer who comes in and thanks to everyone who voted for her. Katie will be getting a special treat to celebrate. Well done to all of the other winners. This is a great initiative for local businesses to get involved in. Thanks to Paisley First for creating these wonderful awards!”
Best Social Media – The Ugly Duck
Best social media award went to The Ugly Duck at 38 High Street. Their engaging and entertaining posts have kept the community entertained and captured the votes of the public. Commenting on the award, owners Laura, Fiona and Andrina said: “We’re delighted to have received this award. We celebrated our first birthday on 1st September, so it’s been a double celebration for us. Thanks to all our customers who voted for us – we couldn’t do it without you! Our social media uses a lot of humour which resonates with our customers – there’s much more to come! Watch this space!”
Best Brekkie – Roasters
Described as a ‘must stop if in Paisley’ the best brekkie winner goes to Roasters at 69 High Street. With friendly and welcoming staff and a great buzz about the place, it’s easy to see why they’re a local favourite. Roasters Manager, Jack commented: “We’re really pleased to have won this award. Thanks to our amazing, hard-working team who are the best about. Big thanks to everyone who voted for us, we’re really grateful.”
Perfect Pint – The Old Swan Inn
The prize for the perfect pint goes to The Old Swan Inn at 20 Smithhills Street. The Old Swan is a family-run pub which has long been cherished as a great place to enjoy a nice cold pint. Owner Jacqui commented: “We’re thrilled to receive the award for best pint in the town, we’ve beaten some stiff competition and just wanted to say thanks to everyone who voted for us. The team are over the moon to receive this recognition in our local community.”
Best New Business (opened in last two years) – Stevie Weir Physiotherapy
The best new business award went to Stevie Weir Physiotherapy studio on Glasgow Road. The business has quickly become a valuable addition to our community. Commenting on the awards, Stevie said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won this accolade after being open for less than a year – this is a major achievement for us. We’re delighted and want to say a huge thanks to everyone who voted for us. We love being part of Paisley’s business community.”
Best Window Display – Home Zone Plus
Home Zone Plus in The Piazza shopping centre received the award for the best window display. Their windows were commended for their creativity and seasonal themed windows all year round. Their award has pride of place in their current Halloween window. Commenting on the award, the owner, Nabs, said: “We love to catch people’s eyes with our window displays. Thanks goes to my wonderful wife who looks after the windows all year round. She uses her creativity to ensure the themes are always eye catching and a talking point with customers in The Piazza.”
The What’s on Best Live Music Venue Award – The Bungalow
The What’s on Best Live Music Venue Award goes to The Bungalow. This outstanding independent live music venue has enriched Paisley with a broad range of entertainment. This award recognises their passion for live music and the incredible events they bring to our community. Congratulations to Tommy and Alan at The Bungalow for making Paisley a vibrant hub of live music and entertainment. Tommy & Alan from The Bungalow said: “Thanks to everyone who voted for The Bungalow as best live music venue in Paisley. We’re really delighted to have won the award and love being a key part of Paisley’s thriving music scene. These awards are a great way of celebrating the brilliant businesses in the town.”
Paisley’s Friendliest Team – The Works
This prize was awarded to The Love Paisley Friendliest Team Award goes to Lisa and her team at The Works in The Piazza. Their warm welcome and helpful service make them a favourite in the town centre. Commenting on the award, Wendy from The Works, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our customers have voted for us. We must be doing something right! It’s all about customer service and taking the time to talk to customers. Thanks to everyone who voted, it’s much appreciated.”
Creative Cracker Award – Jennifer Scott Dance
This prize was awarded to Jennifer Scott Dance at 28 High Street. A true community hub which has become a vibrant space where local people of all ages come together and share their passion for dance in Paisley town centre. Owner, Jennifer, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who voted for us! We’re delighted to have won the Creative Cracker Award. Creativity in dance is something we celebrate every day and it’s great to be acknowledged in the local community.”
Feel Fantastic Award – Curves Paisley
Curves Paisley are the worthy winners of this award which proves their commitment to helping everyone feel their best, Curves Paisley is a true gem in our community. Their classes and groups, held in Paisley town centre, have played a significant role in transforming lives and boosting confidence. Congratulations to the entire team at Curves Paisley for making such a positive impact! Jill and Siobhan from Curves commented: “What a lovely surprise! We pride ourselves in transforming lives, boosting confidence and making the women in the local community of Paisley feel fantastic. Big thanks to everyone who voted for us!”
Terrific Transformation Award – Wellahead Hair,
The winner is Wellahead Hair. Located at 12 New Street, the salon has been a dedicated part of Paisley for years. They offer exceptional makeovers that continually impress. Commenting on the award, owner, Lisa Kane, said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for us. This means so much to all of the team at the salon who work hard and love being part of Paisley’s business community. Congratulations to all of the other winners. These awards are great for celebrating our unique town and we’re proud to be playing our part.”
Elaine Templeton, Chair of Paisley First, commented: “We have an amazing community of local businesses here in Paisley town centre – with everything from great retail shops, fantastic food and drink venues, first class professional services firms, creative hubs and health, hair and beauty salons.
“Our businesses are at the heart of our local community, working hard to provide that personal service you just don’t get in out-of-town shopping centres, and employing local people. These awards are a great celebration of our local Paisley businesses – everyone wins when we love local and thanks to all those in the local community who took the time to vote! Let’s celebrate our local Paisley town centre businesses – Love Local, Love Paisley!”
