Three bookshops compete for Independent Bookshop of the Year. Regional winners announced March 11th, national in May.
This award likes shops that do more than just sell books; it looks for shops involved in their local areas. Gardners, a book wholesaler, sponsors the award.
These three shops will first compete regionally; they are in the Midlands and Wales region. Then, they could win the big prize! The British Book Awards ceremony is on May 12, 2025, in London.
Tom Tivnan mentioned current hard times for local businesses, but he also said these bookshops offer hope. He has judged the award for years and sees incredible effort and quality now.
Indie bookshops are doing great in the UK and Ireland; they show creativity and strong business sense. They bring authors to town, visit schools, and organize local festivals for everyone.
Ruth Gardner said each shop has a special story. She’s proud to help those who make reading fun. This award shows how much they help; they bring people together and boost reading.
Regional winners get announced on March 11. Good luck to all the bookshops involved; it is a tough competition with many deserving finalists.