Lords, with shops in and around the capital, has been voted Independent Retail Business of the Year and received its prize during an awards ceremony at the bira High Street Conference on 11 May.
The award recognises innovation and forward thinking, and, according to bira, "recipients need to have something very special to have set themselves apart from the rest of the retailers within their sector."

The full list of finalists included:
· Advance Performance UK Ltd
· Aspire Style
· Baby Barn
· Bodenhams
· Goddards of Kings Lynn
· Jones and Cocks
· Lords
· Potters of Hockley
· Prezola
· Scarecrow Boutique
· Smith and Smith
· The House of Ashley Peake

The panel wanted to recognise two shops in particular with 'highly commended' awards for their forward thinking, contribution to the local community and their impeccable attention to detail - Jones & Cocks joined Potters of Hockley in this pairing.

Judges said of Lords: "This family-owned independent business has been a specialist housewares retailer since 2010 and has expanded to six locations where they pride themselves on being a local business for local customers, providing a level of service beyond the expectations of their customers. Their instore offering is supported by an online presence with an extensive range. Their dedication to storytelling in their displays, merchandising and marketing is innovative and impactful and creates unique engagement with their customers."

Winning silver was Aspire Style Ltd and bronze was Advance Performance UK Ltd.

Lords brand director Rita Dewan said: "It is a huge honour to be recognised and more importantly our team of managers who came to the award ceremony are absolutely thrilled to have won. They are full of renewed energy and thoroughly motivated as they have seen that their hard work pays off. Our teams are buzzing and this is the best prize!"