Businesses in Newark, Southwell and Lowdham score top spots in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire regional Muddy Stilettos Awards
From beauty to beverages, five successful businesses from Newark and the surrounding area have taken first place in regional awards.
Businesses from Newark, Southwell, Lowdham and Hockerton featured among the winners of the 2024 Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards.
The winners are decided by public vote via lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos, with independent businesses recognised across 21 categories.
Our winners were:
Catherine Carter Aesthetics and Beauty, Newark
Taking the top spot in the beauty salon or clinic category was Newark-based Catherine Carter Aesthetics and Beauty.
Catherine has more than 23 years experience in the beauty industry. At her salon, in Millgate, she and her team of health and beauty experts provide services such as high quality facials, semi-permanent makeup, laser hair removal, nails, eye treatments, massage and tanning.
Some of the most popular specialist treatments include facial lifting, toning and filler, and fat freezing.
Speaking on her award win, the salon owner and skin expert said: “I think we are a salon which operates at a higher standard. Our reputation is something people are voting for.
“We take pride in everything we do.”
For Catherine, the award win seemed to “come full circle”, drawing a parallel with her previous award wins at the Newark Business Awards 2023 — when she had to attend in one stiletto and a boot as she had fallen from her horse.
The Wine Bank, Southwell
Mr and Mrs Fine Wine’s The Wine Bank, on Church Street, Southwell, scooped top spot in the wine and beer specialist category.
The independent wine merchant sells a hand-picked selection of quality wines from around the world — and a selection of Champagnes, spirits and cocktails.
Owner Chris Bailey said: “We have won awards previously, but most have been trade awards. The difference is this voted by customers and the community.
“It means a lot to us that we have won it as it is decided by public vote — it’s a nice pat on the back.”
The Wine Bank is not a “run of the mill” wine merchant, Chris explained, as it also has an in-store wine bar.
He added: “The wine bar side is very popular — we’re well supported in Southwell.”
The shop boasts over 850 different wines on the shelves for shoppers to choose from, at all price points — from £8-a-bottle to premium tipples for special occasions.
Mr and Mrs Fine Wine have previously seen success in the Decanter Awards.
Anasa Pilates, Newark
The champion in the yoga and pilates studio category was Newark’s Anasa Boutique Reformer Pilates, based in Slaughterhouse Lane.
Co-founder and instructor Margarita Papadopoulou said the business had created a big community of support, with people from ten to 85 years old taking pilates classes and building friendships in the studio.
Reacting to the award win, she said: “It’s amazing, it’s unexpected.
“It is an honour for us, we’ve been open almost a year so it’s an amazing achievement for us.
Co-founder and instructor George Koutsothanasis added: “It’s a big surprise. We didn’t expect to have so much support, we had more than 1,000 supporters.”
The studio runs a variety of group and private sessions, designed to boost fitness and flexibility on the versatile reformer machines.
Anasa Pilates is also a finalist in the Best Start-up and Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality categories of the Newark Business Awards.
Lorna Marie Fitness, Lowdham
It was not the first rodeo for Lorna Bell, of Lorna Marie Fitness, who was also named best fitness instructor at the awards in 2022 and 2023 and has now taken the title for 2024.
Lorna said: “I just can't believe it! I'm lost for words. Three years in a row — it's just incredible.
“I know the award is best fitness instructor but for me, this award is for my fitness family, my lovely online squad. A massive thank you to everyone who voted for us, supported us and believed in us too — it’s been a journey but we are going places as a fitness family.
“My mission and purpose in life is to help as many people as I possibly can and I will continue to do my best at that for as long as I live. A rising tide lifts all ships... we're on the way up and we're taking everyone with us.”
She believes the caring, community feel of her fitness squad is what helped propel her business to the win.
“I don't know support like it to be honest. It's not just the support we give though, this positivity and encouragement is reflected in our squaddies themselves — everyone lifts each other up and helps one another be the best version they can be,” Lorna added.
“It doesn't matter your age, fitness level, background, everyone is on a journey of bettering themselves.
“Words can't fully capture the essence, you have to experience it. So, if you're searching for a fitness family that truly cares, our doors are wide open.”
Lorna Marie Fitness is also in the final for customer care at the Newark Business Awards, and has been longlisted for a variety of categories at the British Fitness Awards, including for her new brand YogaScape
DevOATed, Hockerton
Also triumphing in the 2024 awards was Hockerton-based DevOATed, which won the local food or drink producer category.
Founded in 2023 by mother and son duo Moira and Oliver Christy, DevOATed produces flavoured plant-based shakes.
The pair’s oatshakes draw on their farming heritage and promise to be “a rich, dairy-free, delicious treat that has minimal environmental impact”.
Posting on Instagram page, DevOATed said: “Given that we launched just over a year ago we are absolutely thrilled, and who knows maybe we will be selected to go through to the national judging.
“Thank you so so much to all our wonderful supporters that voted and cheer us on day to day.”
All regional winners in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, along with winners from the other counties, will automatically go through to the 2024 National Awards — and five businesses in each category will be picked to go through to the finals with winners to be crowned in July.
Hero Brown, founder and editor-in-chief of Muddy Stilettos said: “I set up these awards 11 years ago to give local lifestyle indies a chance to shine. It’s been an honour to showcase these most creative, innovative lifestyle businesses. The response to this year’s Muddy Awards has been incredible with thousands voting to support an amazing array of local businesses big and small.”
More than 515,000 votes and nominations were cast nationwide, making this year’s the most popular Muddy Awards to date.
