Abbott’s of Ottery St Mary and Seaton have won the top DIY industry award as the Best Hardware Store in the UK. Abbott’s beat off hundreds of DIY and Hardware stores from across the country to make it to the final four, where they picked up the top gold award.

The gold winners were announced at a glitzy evening event at the Manchester Hilton Deans-gate on November 24th. Leading figures from across the DIY and garden industry were out in force for the event. The awards were presented by the comedian Paul Tonkinson of former Channel Four show ‘The Big Breakfast’ and the BBC’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow.

The awards ceremony took place after dinner, with a short video showing all the finalists. The accolades were split for best products and best retailers. Abbott’s won the gold award in the category for Hardware Retailers.

Tony Abbott, owner of the family business, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. When you think of how many independent DIY and hardware stores there are across the UK, to win this is a fantastic achievement. We are very proud to have won this award but really it’s a big thank you to all of our customers. Without their support we could not have achieved this.

“On the night, when they showed a short video on the other hardware stores in the running for the award, I thought that us down here in Devon wouldn’t have a chance of winning, but when Paul Tonkinson announced us as the winner, I just could not believe it.”

To scoop this award, Abbott’s had to meet a very tough criteria to be nominated. This included showing exceptional customer service and product knowledge as well as offering their customers excellent value for money. Both of Abbott’s stores in Ottery St Mary and Seaton were visited by mystery shoppers. Tony added: “We are all really delighted. To be ‘The UK’s Best Hardware Retailer’ certainly puts Ottery St Mary and Seaton on the map.”

The Judges, who were suppliers and leading hardware industry figures, said of Abbott’s award win: “Fantastic product ranges, well trained knowledgeable staff, good value for money, well laid out stores with lots of improvements in the last two years, lots of imaginative marketing, lots of investment, lots of ideas, lots of passion – the Abbott’s team have it all.”

Pictured above: (left to right) Paul Tonkinson, Vivienne, Tony, Chris and Geoff Abbott, and award sponsor David Hibbert.
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