Thame’s ‘High Street Hero’ needs YOUR vote

CHRIS Hurdman, a popular Market Trader at Thame’s Tuesday market, has been shortlisted by the government as one of the top three market champions in Britain. He’s been doing well in the public vote so far but is in third place with just three days until the voting closes.

Now, to be crowned Champion Market Retailer, Chris needs your votes. The latest rankings released by the Great British High Street Competition revealed the current situation:

1. Nicola Martin, Ashton-under-Lyne

2. Beverley Milner Simmonds, Burnham-on-Sea

3. Chris Hurdman, Thame

There’s still time though for Chris to get those votes in and turn things around! Between now and Friday, November 18, you can cast your vote for Chris for free at http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/finalist-retail-market-champion – and you can vote ONCE EVERY DAY!

When he first heard of his nomination and being placed in the final, Chris Hurdman said: “I was honored and humbled to have been nominated by the people of Thame for the Market Champion Award and feel like a real winner. I didn’t realise that the work I do on the market was so appreciated.”

After setting up two trader-operated markets in Bicester and Kidlington, Chris introduced new initiatives at Thame’s Tuesday Royal Charter Market like community stalls to raise money for local charities. Working closely with local shops and Thame Town Council to promote the high street, Chris also lays on events to bring visitors and shoppers into the town, such as an annual Market Fun Day and a celebration for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

If Chris wins, not only will he get a share of a £10,000 prize pot, but he’ll win expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for shops, bars and restaurants and a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to boost his social media skills.

High Streets Minister Andrew Percy said: “The buzz generated by this year’s competition has seen a record breaking 400,000 votes cast already.

“Chris has worked hard but this is the last push and there’s still everything to play for, so get online and vote now.” vote4chris.uk

The Great British High Street Competition 2016 celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets. It is one of a number of initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.

New to 2016, the competition is also looking for individuals to win a ‘high street hero’ award. With categories for store employees and market managers, the competition is recognising individuals who are making a difference to their local communities.

This year’s competition saw a record 900 entries across all 14 categories, including the new categories for individuals and shops. The 12 finalists in the four categories for high street heroes were announced on October 18, and the public given the chance to vote directly for the people working hard for their local high street.

Voting closes on Friday, November 18, and the winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Monday, December 12.