THE search is on once again for the best of Reading’s retail.

Whether it’s excellent customer service, a staff member who went above and beyond to help you, or an innovative idea you’ve heard about– get your nominations in for the Reading Retail Awards 2017.

Now in their eighth year, the awards– which are backed by the Chronicle– celebrate the best and brightest of the town’s industry.

They are impartial, independent and objective and entry is free.

The 2017 glittering black tie awards dinner including entertainment and dancing takes place on Saturday, September 16 and tickets go on sale soon.

This year’s awards were launched at a special event at Reading Hilton.

There were inspirational speeches from some of last year’s winners, who spoke about how wonderful it felt to be nominated, and what the win had meant for their careers.

Jasleen Gill, last year’s ‘Shooting Star’ for her excellent work at the menswear department in Debenhams has gone on to secure a promotion at House of Fraser.

She said that she felt she was just ‘doing her job’ but felt that winning had boosted her confidence and had helped her take a step up in her career.

Last year’s overall Retailer of the Year was Warings The Master Bakery.

The award categories are:

Retailer of the year

Promotional initiative of the year – Sponsored by Reading UK CIC

Independent retailer of the year – Sponsored by CoolSculpting at Aspire

Multiple retailer of the year – Sponsored by The Carwash Company

“Shooting Star”

Manager of the year – Sponsored by Hammerson

Innovation in the marketplace – Sponsored by Genting Casino

Sustainability in retail – Sponsored by IKEA

 Out of town award

Health, Beauty and Well-being – Sponsored by Specsavers

Cafes, Coffee and Lunch

 Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Premier & Angels School of Motoring

Service With a Smile – Sponsored by Reading Buses

Your Favourite Shop! – Sponsored by Subway

Visit readingretailawards.co.uk to cast your vote.