Nantwich Bookshop is short-listed for top award

The Nantwich Bookshop, run by Audlem resident Steve Lawson, has been named as one of the nation's best bookshops. In a tough retail climate, when many small retailers are struggling to survive, the store has headed off the challenge of the big bookselling chains and the supermarkets, and is included in a regional shortlist announced today for The Independent Bookseller of the Year.

The Nantwich Bookshop is situated within a Grade 2 listed, timber-framed building but there is nothing ancient about this shop's approach to business. Indeed, it is now used as a business model by the North West Development Agency. Manager/owner Steve Lawson acquired it from Bookland Ltd in 2003 and the business has seen a rise in sales and profits since opening a first-floor coffee lounge in 2004.

The prestigious Independent Bookseller of the Year award, sponsored by publishers Aurum Press, is among awards that will be presented at the British Book Trade Awards in May, which are organised in association with the Booksellers Association. Over 500 independent booksellers were nominated for the award by customers and the Awards' Academy, which includes authors, publishers, and booksellers. The entries were judged on: standard of shop fitting, range of stock, helpfulness and knowledge of staff, overall shop atmosphere, buying judgement, and customer service and new initiatives.

In the North region The Nantwich Bookshop is up against The Bookshop at the Tinners' Rabbit in Ulverston; Simply Books in Bramhall, and SilverDell in Kirkham. The winners of the six regional awards, who will be announced next month, make up the final shortlist. The overall winner, decided by a panel of judges, will be announced at the British Book Trade Awards ceremony on Tuesday 9th May at the Bournemouth International Centre.

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