Last Friday, we launched our latest Best of 2024 search as part of these celebrations and we wanted to find the best independent shop or business in St Helens.

So far in our Best of 2024 competition we’ve given out ten coveted awards.

Next up, we wanted to show small business owners at the heart of our local communities some love and celebrate the best the town has to offer as they juggle increasing overheads, competition from big brand companies and the ever-increasing trend for online shopping.

We asked you to make your favourite’s day by nominating them for our Best Independent Shop award and joining the #ukindieday promotional campaign.

After reading all of your nominations, we’ve shortlisted the top 10, who will battle it out to be named Best Independent Shop or Business 2024 in St Helens.

Now we need your help to choose an overall winner from our shortlist.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best Independent Shop shortlist post on our St Helens Star Facebook or X (Twitter) pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s St Helens Star (Thursday, July 4 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each different coupon submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms-conditions)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Sunday, July 7 and we will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best of 2024 appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR 10 BEST INDEPENDENT SHOP / BUSINESS SHORTLIST:

Marvellous Magical Melts, Tickle Avenue, St Helens

One review on their Facebook page said: “I honestly cannot recommend these melts enough!

“By far the best melts I’ve ever used – so strong in scent and they last ages.

“I wouldn’t use anyone else.”

For more details go to facebook.com/AnnaliseLeverXx

The Bridal Loft: Curvy Brides

The Bridal Loft: Curvy Brides, Elephant Lane, Thatto Heath

Wedding dresses for curvy brides to be as well as bridesmaid dresses and outfits for special occasions.

For more details go to facebook.com/THEBRIDALLOFTLTD

Clandaw Children’s Boutique

Clandaw Children’s Boutique, Lynton Way, St Helens

There are so many outfits to choose from that customers are spoilt for choice when they go through the doors of this shop.

For more details go to facebook.com/ClandawChildrensBoutique

Gavin’s Butchers

Gavin’s Butcher’s, Baldwin Street, St Helens

Best meat, fantastic staff.nothing to much trouble.

For more details go to facebook.com/gavinsbutchers

St Helens Book Stop

St Helens Book Stop, Bridge Street, St Helens

One Facebook reviewer said: “Always someone happy to help or chat about book choices.

“They ordered a book for me recently and it came in the next day for me to collect.

“Definitely recommend St Helens Book Stop.”

For more details go to facebook.com/StHBookStop

Fox & Bobbin

Fox & Bobbin, St Helens

One nomination said: “Amazing quality clothes from this shop.

“The fabric is so soft and the prints are gorgeous!”

For more details go to facebook.com/foxandbobbin

Kaleidoscope Records

Kaleidoscope Records, Westfield Street, St Helens

One happy customer said: “This is one of my favourite record places in the world.

“I love spending hours flicking through the vinyl.”

For more details go to facebook.com/people/Kaleidoscope-Records/100057612341194/

The French Dresser

The French Dresser, Kiln Lane, St Helens

One shopper said: “Absolutely lovely clothes and fabulous service.

“I would highly recommend.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thefrenchdresserboutiquesthelens

Simply Sewing

Simply Sewing, Thatto Heath Road, St Helens

One nomination said: “All the work done here is finished so professionally.

“No job is too small for Pauline and her band of sewers and crafters.”

For more details go to facebook.com/p/Simply-sewing-100075981275895/

Fika Coffee and Home

Fika Coffee and Home, Walmsely Street, Newton-le-Willows

Coffee shop and home décor under one roof.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090767373958