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Long standing Harrogate business Crown Jewellers has been nominated in the national competition – any local business can be nominated, with a prize of a £500 Town & City Gift Card on offer
Sue and Steve Kramer, founders of family business Crown Jewellers, are celebrating after being nominated in our competition to find the UK’s favourite local business.
The duo, who’ve run Crown Jewellers together for 22 years, say that their partnership is key to the longevity of the business. Sue said:
“People say that they couldn’t work with their partner but for us, it has worked well. Steve is the jeweller and he’s one of the most qualified diamond experts in Harrogate. Whereas I’m more of the ‘people person’, chatting to customers. We love working together and I think that has helped us stay in business so long.
“When we set up Crown Jewellers 22 years ago, internet shopping didn’t exist. For us, service is everything, we care and we are passionate about what we do. It comes from the heart. It’s such a privilege to become part of someone’s story through providing their engagement or wedding rings. I can’t tell you how many weddings we’ve been invited to over the years!
“In the old days, we also used to sell china and silver items. Our very first customer when we opened bought candlesticks from us and still comes into the shop 22 years later. With great affection, she is known by us all as Candlestick Lady and has become a part of our story too. It is very special.
“It’s not just about a quick sale, we look after all our customers. Customers know they can come back to us, and we’ll offer a free clean to keep that diamond looking sparkly. Today, as well as contemporary jewellery, we specialise in vintage jewellery too, which is both a sustainable and cost effective option for beautiful jewellery.
“Crown Jewellers is located on Commercial Street which is a fantastic street of independents in Harrogate, with a focus on quality and service. We even have our own retailers group for the street, which I set up, and collaborate on initiatives for the community and to encourage people to shop local. At the moment, we’re doing a Christmas chocolate collection for the food bank.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be nominated as the UK’s Favourite Local Business. It would be unbelievable to win the competition.”
Kathryn Pridmore nominated Crown Jewellers after being recommended to business by her sister in law. Kathryn said:
“I had two pieces of my late mother’s jewellery including a ring that was too big to wear. I took them to Crown Jewellers and straight away I knew I was in good hands. Steve explained that the ring had a rare stone, and was actually a sapphire not tanzanite as I’d been advised previously. They came up with an idea to merge the two pieces of jewellery into a new ring and also managed to make a pair of earrings from the remaining stones. There’s so much trust and emotion tied to jewellery, but I know they will always offer good service.
“Their whole approach makes them worthy of being the UK’s favourite local business. Sue and Steve are always jolly, always helpful. They make you feel important and valued, even if you’re only popping in for a chat or to buy a £20 pair of earrings. Crown Jewellers have been around a long time, and that takes a lot, I think they genuinely enjoy people and helping the community and they deserve to win.”
Crown Jewellers is part of the Harrogate Gift Card, introduced by Harrogate BID to encourage local shopping and accepted by over 100 businesses in the town. The Harrogate Gift Card is one of the 80 plus Town & City Gift Card programmes in the UK and Ireland. Town & City Gift Cards is sponsoring the Help Us Find The UK’s Favourite Local Business competition.
“The gift card is a fantastic initiative,” said Sue. “From a commercial point of view, it increases exposure for your business and brings in customers, which is what businesses want and need. For customers, the Harrogate Gift Card is an easy go-to when buying someone a gift that they can use across the board, keeping money locked into Harrogate.”
Bethany Allen from Harrogate BID said: “It is wonderful to see Sue and Steve recognised in this competition. Sue is a driving force in the ‘shop local’ movement in Harrogate, and Crown Jewellers is a much loved local business which plays a huge role in the vibrancy and attractiveness of Harrogate as a shopping destination. Please keep voting for your favourite Harrogate businesses, as it would be fantastic to see a Harrogate business taking the title of the UK’s Favourite Local Business.”
Any local business can be nominated, with the business receiving the most votes being crowned as the UK’s favourite. The UK’s favourite business, and one person who nominated them, will receive £500 of gift cards.
Other Harrogate businesses with nominations in the competition so far include Imagined Things Bookshop, Novu, Oscar & Clarke, Clicking with Canines, The Dogs Bakery & Café, Yarn and Lords and Ladies.
Colin Munro, managing director of Miconex said: “Crown Jewellers captures the essence of ‘shop local’; people who are passionate about what they do, build strong relationships with customers and prioritise quality, experience and service. It is businesses like Crown Jewellers, and owners like Sue and Steve that make our high streets what they are, and make it a pleasure to shop local.”
Vote for your favourite local business free at www.lovelocalwin.co.uk.
Voting closes on the 21st December 2022.
