IT was a triumph for independent businesses in Bromsgrove last week when two companies became national champions at a prestigious awards show.

Hundreds of leading DIY and garden suppliers, wholesalers, independent retailers and larger retailers came together at the Motorcycle Museum for the 2017 DIY Week Awards on Tuesday, February 7.

Bromsgrove store Broad Street DIY was among the winners, scooping the highly-coveted Retailer of the Year award.

Director Lisa Childs said: “We were absolutely delighted to win such a prestigious accolade as DIY Retailer of the Year.

"We are always looking at new and exciting ways to engage with customers and are already considering some new in store events for later this year.”

The judges added: "There is a maturity about their management that is far beyond what you would expect in a business of its size – these guys are really punching above their weight."

John Horwood of Kennedys Mica Hardware also received acclaim, taking home the Business Initiative Award which celebrates longevity in a successful retail business.

Mr Horwood, 72, who has worked at the Rubery store since it opened in 1987, said: "We are tremendously pleased to have received the award.

"The win is a combination of the staff and the customers – we couldn’t have won it without them and want to carry on serving the community.

"It’s our 30th anniversary this year too so it is a nice start for us!"

The judges added: “The winner of this award is someone who has been running a successful retail business for many years – and who is at an age when most of us would have retired.

"His willingness to embrace new ways of thinking and applying the same principles to other categories in store is now delivering further sales growth."