Pennine Cycles on Thornton Road wins High Street Hero award

Pennine Cycles, based on Thornton Road in Fairweather Green, was named High Street Hero in the Small Awards.

The annual honours, organised by Small Business Britain, champion the achievements of small firms across the UK.

This year, 90 entrants were shortlisted across 11 categories.

Pennine Cycles was up against seven other finalists in its category.

Shop owners Paul and Sandra Corcoran, of Cullingworth, collected their award at an event in London, hosted by presenter, writer, actor, and comedian, Sue Perkins.

Paul and Sandra Corcoran receive their award from Sue Perkins, left, and judge Irene Graham (Image: submitted)

Paul says: "We were incredibly honoured to be named High Street Hero.

"This recognition reflects our hard work and commitment to serving the cycling community with passion and dedication.

"And it inspires us to continue providing exceptional service and quality to our valued customers."

The business was founded as Whitaker and Mapplebeck Cycles in 1946.

Paul went on to shop after initially being a customer before he and Sandra took over ownership of the business 24 years ago.

Tribute has been paid by Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain, and the awards.

She said: "Congratulations go to Pennine Cycles, which impressed our team and judges with its story of drive and innovation, and dedication to its community.

"We were delighted to celebrate with them at a beautiful event which shone a much-needed light on so many extraordinary entrepreneurs, like Pennine Cycles, and their fabulous businesses."

She added: "The Small Awards – launched in 2017 – target the whole small business sector, focusing on businesses often overlooked by other awards.

"Entrants are judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts.

"At Small Business Britain, we support 5.5 million small businesses in the UK – no matter their location, sector or ambition level.

"Through a series of reports, events and campaigns, we aim to champion and inspire small businesses to foster growth and increased confidence."

Guests at the awards ceremony included Kevin Hollinrake, who was Minister for Small Business before the dissolution of Parliament.

He said: "The Small Awards are a reminder of the innovation and tenacity that make the UK’s small businesses the best in the world.

"I congratulate this year’s winners on their well-deserved awards and wish them every success for the future."