Knutsford businesses recognised for long loyal service to town

Knutsford Town Council has introduced a rolling programme to acknowledge traders who have served the town for many years.

The retail recognition scheme celebrates businesses who have traded in the town from a minimum of five years to 75 years plus and a ‘lifetime achievement’ award.

READ > Knutsford man banned after drug-driving twice in a month

Mayor Cllr Colin Banks presents a lifetime achievement award to Arthur Lee co-owner Helen Dufton with colleagues Matt Walters and Richie Airey (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

Town centre manager Sandra Curties said: “Knutsford is home to independent, regional and national names who each contribute to the vitality of our town centre.

Mayor Cllr Colin Banks presents Hal Whittaker owner Stuart Andrew with an award marking more than 50 years trading in the town (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

“This programme recognises the importance of the achievement of staying on our high street, especially in our post-covid, online shopping times.

Rose and Crown restaurant manager Eva Jones receives a lifetime achievement from mayor Cllr Colin Banks (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

“This will be a rolling programme that hopefully continues for an extremely long time.”

Mayor Cllr Colin Banks presents a cerficate to Steve Connor, owner of family run Woods Artisan Butchers (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

The mayor of Knutsford launched the scheme presenting the first certificates and window stickers.

Ryan Laidler, assistant manager of Booths, receives a certificate from mayor Cllr Colin Banks (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

Cllr Colin Banks said: "I was delighted to present our first batch of business recognition awards.

Mayor Cllr Colin Banks presents a certificate to Stephen Edwards of Stephen Edwards Electrical (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

“Our high street has changed but it still offers both locals and visitors a vibrant mix of shops and services.

Mayor Cllr Colin Banks presents Amador owner Omar Aslan with a certificate (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

“Meeting local shop owners from Booths to Partners Hairdressing was a lovely way to spend a summer morning.

Kevin Hadall,owner of Autoden, receives a certificate from mayor Cllr Colin Banks (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

“I am looking forward to meeting more local shop owners over the coming weeks."

Ray Barker, of Partners Salons, receives a certificate from mayor Cllr Colin Banks (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

Arthur Lee, the town's oldest family business received a lifetime achievement award.

Helen Dufton, who co-owns the store with sister Vicky Wragg, said: “As soon as the mayor left, we placed our sticker in the window.

Arthur Lee is proud to display their lifetime achievement award in their shop window (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

“We love running our shop and know our parents will also be pleased with this recognition.

“We’ve been here since 1919 and even supplied LS Lowry with an armchair so if you haven’t visited us yet, please pop in.”

The spacious shop in Toft Road, which has 18 showrooms on three floors, was founded by their great grandfather Arthur Lee.

The Rose and Crown, a 350-year-old listed pub, restaurant and bed and breakfast, also received a lifetime achievement award.

Hal Whittaker, the Princess Street toy shop that first opened its doors in the post-war era, was recognised after trading in the town for more than 50 years.

Owner Stuart Andrew said: “We are proud to be part of a family business that served the local community through the generations.

“Both my father and myself have seen many generations and changes over the past six decades between us and have always found Knutsford to be a fantastic town to both grow up in and be a part of.

“We are all very fortunate to have a vibrant town that somehow manages to buck the trend and keep prospering.

“Please don’t ever take it for granted and remember to support your High Street whenever you can and as much as you can.

The programme recognises those who have traded in the town for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 75+ years.

More certificates will be handed out in the coming months.