Vote for favourite firm in Love campaign

Buy photos » Rilys restaurant was named as Evesham's best loved business in last year's competition. Photograph by Marcus Mingins. 06.10.048.MMR.

EVESHAM residents are being urged to vote for their favourite businesses when a popular campaign returns next week.

The 14 Days of Love campaign launches on Wednesday (February 1) with people encouraged to provide an online review for their best-loved Vale business or businesses.

The scheme, which is being run by thebestofevesham website, is also being run in other towns and cities across the country and after Valentine's Day the nation's most-loved local business will be announced.

Anyone who votes will be entered into a national, daily prize draw. Prizes include an Orient Express experience, a romantic dinner for two at a Michelin-starred restaurant and a Silverstone driving experience.

About 60 people from local businesses attended a networking event on Monday night (January 23) at Amber Cafe in Evesham High Street to hear about the campaign and raised £100 for Midlands Air Ambulance and a further £172 for Cancer Research UK through an auction and raffle.

Alan Jones, director of thebestofevesham, said: "Over the past two years, this campaign has been a huge success for businesses both on a local and national scale.

"Small businesses are the ‘unsung heroes’ in the Vale and this campaign provides an excellent way to praise their good work. So take this opportunity to recommend your favourite."

Last year’s Evesham winner was Riley’s restaurant while the nation’s most-loved business was named as The Left Bank Brasseries, in Ormskirk, Lancashire, which received 1,700 online reviews and votes.