STAFF at Kendal-based independent retailer, Armstrong Ward, are celebrating after the business was crowned winners at the 13th national Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2015, at the Savoy Hotel, London.

Competing in one of the toughest classifications, the ‘Best Lifestyle, Homewares and Gifts’ category, Armstrong Ward was challenged by some of the nation’s finest retailers, including Homer, Edinburgh and Aberfeldy; JOY; Oliver Bonas; Orange Tree, Topsham and Sparks Yard, Arundel.

The Greats Awards recognise and celebrate not only the top independent and multiple gift retailers regionally and nationally, but also ‘one off’ niche retailers. Dubbed the ‘Oscar’s of the industry’, 400 guests attended the ceremony to see the winners unveiled.

Owner Jacqueline Ward said they did not expect to win at such a high profile, national event.

“We are surprised and of course delighted to have won at this year’s Great’s Awards, and when they called our name out at the ceremony, it took a couple of moments to realise it was us!” she said. “I think the most important factor for us, is to be recognised for all the hard work that goes into the Armstrong Ward brand on a daily basis. It’s most definitely a team effort and a result of the energy and passion that each employee contributes in order to achieve what Armstrong Ward is all about.”