Get ready for the Summer of Independents

Exeter Business Improvement District (BID) has launched its latest campaign to support the city’s thriving centre with a dedicated celebration of independent shops and businesses.

Independent businesses are what make Exeter stand out from other cities in the South West and the campaign, called Summer of Independents, launches on Tuesday 4th July with the Exeter BID asking visitors and residents to vote for and support their favourite business.

Wayne Pearce, Chairman of the Exeter BID Board, said “Summer of Independents is a fantastic campaign to promote all that Exeter has to offer.

"It encourages visitors and residents alike to explore more of our city; to go off the beaten track to discover even more interesting and independently run shops, cafes, restaurants and businesses.

"We are really excited to see which indies will be shortlisted and can’t wait to share the news about our winner later in the summer – watch this space!”

There is plenty of choice in Exeter when it comes to shopping with and supporting indies and the BID is keen to champion independent businesses throughout the city.

An important part of the competition is encouraging visitors and residents alike to be curious, to expand their usual shopping routes and visit new areas. Fore Street has long held a reputation for its independent businesses and the area continues to thrive but the BID area also encompasses North and South Street, Little Castle and Castle Street, the Cathedral Yard, Gandy Street, Queen Street, Upper Paul Street and Sidwell Street to name but a few; each offers a broad selection of indies to discover and enjoy.

All independent businesses within the Exeter BID area are eligible for shortlisting in the competition, from places to shop and eat, those offering professional services, hairdressing and more.

The BID is encouraging those who wish to take part to visit www.inexeter.com to check if their favourite business is eligible for a vote. There is also a facility on the website to cast a vote online, alternatively all eligible businesses will stock voting cards which can be filled in and dropped to the Tourist Information Centre in Dix’s Field. The deadline for public voting closes on Wednesday 11th August.

The ten businesses with the highest number of nominations will be shortlisted and visited by a mystery shopper who will rate each business using a set criteria. A judging panel will choose the winning business based on the mystery shopper findings and original nominations from the public vote.