Voting Opens for Chester BID’s 11th Customer Service Awards

Chester BID is once again inviting members of the public to vote for the city centre businesses that have delivered outstanding customer service.

If you have received good customer service, place your vote for the chance to win a £100 Chester Gift Card.

Now in their 11th year, the Customer Service Awards have become one of the city's most anticipated business celebrations. The prestigious awards recognise the outstanding customer service delivered every day by the people behind Chester's shops, restaurants, cafés, hotels, attractions and professional services.

Public votes help determine which businesses progress through to the next stage of judging. After this, shortlisted finalists will be mystery shopped and a winner will be crowned in each category.

Carl Critchlow, Chief Executive Officer at Chester BID, said:

“For more than a decade, the Customer Service Awards have celebrated the exceptional standards our city centre businesses deliver day in, day out. Whether it’s a memorable dining experience, outstanding retail service or a team member who consistently goes above and beyond, these awards recognise the people and businesses whose dedication helps make Chester one of the UK’s most welcoming cities.”

With the support of headline sponsor KingKabs, Chester's leading taxi and private hire service, this year's awards will once again highlight excellence across a wide range of city centre businesses spanning 15 categories. 

Categories for 2026 include:

• Best Coffee Shop/Café

• Best Food on the Go

• Best Restaurant

• Best Pub/Bar/Club

• Best Small National Retailer

• Best Small National Fashion Retailer

• Best Large Retailer

• Best Independent Retailer

• Best Health & Beauty Services

• Best Leisure & Attractions

• Best High Street Services

• Best Professional Services

• Best Hotel & Accommodation

• Best of Eastgate Square

• Best Newcomer

Over the past decade, winning a Chester BID Customer Service Award has become a valued accolade for businesses across the city. Last year’s winners have shared what the recognition has meant to their teams.

Best Newcomer Winner 2025, Luke Creedon, of Salt House Tapas, said:

"Winning the Best Newcomer category at last year's Chester BID Customer Service Awards was a real achievement for us. Opening in Chester meant introducing the brand to a new audience, so the public giving us their vote feels really well earned. We'd encourage votes across all categories this year, as it means so much to the teams behind the businesses."

Best Health & Beauty Services Winner 2025, Laura Heywood of The Scented Garden Retreat said:

"As a proud independent business, the Chester BID Customer Service Awards have been invaluable in highlighting the passion and commitment of our team. The positive impact on our business has been significant, increasing customer confidence, raising our profile within the city, and reinforcing our commitment to excellence. We're incredibly grateful to be part of a city that champions its independent business community so passionately." 

Best Professional Services Winner 2025, Andrew Wright of Cullimore Dutton said:

“Winning the Best Professional Services award was particularly important to us because it recognised the commitment our team makes every day to delivering an excellent client experience. As the award was voted for by the public, it made the recognition even more meaningful and gave us real confidence that our approach is valued by the people we serve.”

Voting is now open and closes at 12pm on Friday 28 August. 

Members of the public can cast their vote by visiting: 

https://www.chesterbid.co.uk/discover/customer-service-awards

The Customer Service Awards are exclusive to businesses that are members of Chester BID.

Winners will be announced at the Chester BID Customer Service Awards ceremony at The Guild this October, where businesses from across the city will come together to celebrate customer service excellence.

The event is proudly headline sponsored by KingKabs, Chester's leading taxi and private hire service.