OBSERVER AND GAZETTE BUSINESS AWARDS: An award close to sponsor’s heart

Andrew Moore, who owns Andrew McDowall in North Street, Chichester, said he and his father Micheal Moore bought the business 30 years ago.

He sponsored the award last year, and said: “We’re a big supporter of the awards because local businesses deserve recognition for their efforts in keeping our economy vibrant.

“The Lifetime Achievement award is close to our hearts as my dad, Michael Moore, won it in his 60th year in the business.

“That was a couple of years ago and he’s still working part-time as one of the few master tailors outside London.

“The reason we’ve chosen this award to sponsor is because my father won the award himself a few years ago.

“It’s an award that inspires people to keep on giving their all throughout their career and it’s great that the awards recognise that.

“In an age where we expect instant results, it’s good to be reminded of the people in our community who have a tireless work ethic and enthusiasm for what they do.”

He said he was ‘delighted’ to be sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement award again this year.

“It is good for local business to be involved with as much as we can,” he said.

“It also helps to raise our profile. It makes people realise what a great service we offer.

“We do give great customer service, and we do look after people in the shop and outside the shop as much as is possible.”

He said recognising businesses which were also working hard in the community is why the awards are so important.

In recent years, the shop has won Retailer of the Year and Best Customer Service in the awards.

The firm, which has sponsored the awards for a number of years, will celebrate 70 years of trading in Chichester this year.