A LOCAL shop in Llanidloes has been recognised again as one of the top independent stores in the UK following an in-store assessment by the Independent Achievers Academy.

Woosnam & Davies News is named on the IAA Top 100 list, which celebrates the continuing success of independent shops across the UK.

The assessment is based on shops achieving excellence in serving their local shoppers across 12 core principles of retailing.

Trudy Davies, of Woosnam & Davies News, said: “I’m thrilled to have made the IAA Top 100, it’s fantastic to be recognised for providing a service to our community.

"My staff and I have worked hard to ensure we’re doing all we can for our customers.

"I can’t wait to share the news with them!”

Samantha Gunston, head of events at Newtrade Media, who runs the IAA, said: “Top performing retailers are adapting their businesses and providing unique experiences to survive a challenging economy. Woosnam & Davies News is listed in the Top 100 along with the excellent service they provide to their customers, they ensure they are at the heart of the community by hosting food bank collection points and offering additional services free of charge to charities within their community by using the store for their activities’ making up he charities more accessible to the locals.

“The Top 100 list recognises the hard work of independent local shop owners and their staff to deliver brilliant standards, service and experiences for their customers.

"With our partners, the IAA helps retailers to assess, compare and improve their stores so they can compete with multiples and online stores.”

The IAA Top 100 is compiled after a rigorous benchmarking process and an independent in-store assessment, carried out by assessment partner REL Field Marketing. All retailers who participated in benchmarking have their business receive a personalised benchmark report that recognises their strengths and identifies opportunities for development.

A shortlist of shops will be announced in September, which will be narrowed down to four finalists per category in October.

Finalists will then be judged by a panel comprising the editors of RN and Retail Express, top retailers and leading industry experts.

Finally, 12 category stars and an overall best shop will be revealed at the highly-anticipated IAA Gala ‪Dinner, held in London..