TWO Stourport businessmen are celebrating after getting the civic seal of approval for their new town store and being nominated for a coveted award.

Councillor Vi Higgs cut the ribbon on the new Mooch Gifts and Home shop in the High Street at a ceremony held on Saturday (April 21).

And owners Jon May and Luke Jacks had further reason to celebrate after being as one of only five UK companies to make the shortlist of The Small Awards which recognises businesses that play a part in the community.

They will find out if they are successful at a ceremony in London on May 17 – the same day they will discover if they have won in The Great Gift Retailer Awards 2018, for which they were shortlisted last month.

Mr May said they bought the new Stourport shop – just yards from the previous town premises - and spent around £10,000 redesigning and refurbishing it. It will complement the shop they also own in Bewdley.

He said: “We are delighted and relieved to have got this far. These are exciting times for us.

“We got the keys in November but we have been busy with the other two shops and have been working on refurbishing this new one.

“This shop used to be Marsh and Baxter Butchers but lay empty for years. It is a great location and has allowed us to broaden our range of gifts and cards – including designs exclusive to us – as well as furniture on the first floor.

“We plan to open the second floor as a coffee and cake shop and that should be ready by September.

“And we are proud to be one of five finalists in The Small Awards, especially as they recognise businesses that have an impact on the communities they are in.”