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Ilkley businesses in running to be named UK's favourite

Games Crusade with the Discover Ilkley Gift Card.

Ilkley residents are being asked to get behind their favourite shops, restaurants and other local businesses in a nationwide competition.

Nominations have opened for the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026, with businesses across Ilkley eligible to be put forward for the title.

Shops, restaurants, salons, hotels, attractions and service providers can all be nominated, with people simply asked to name their favourite and explain why they deserve to win.

The business receiving the most nominations nationally will receive a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card.

One person who nominated the eventual winner will also be selected to receive a £1,000 gift card.

Ilkley has previously performed strongly in the competition, with independent toy and games shop Games Crusade finishing fifth in the UK in 2024.

Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Ilkley BID Manager, said:

“Ilkley is blessed with unique opportunities for shopping, eating out and entertainment and we’ve got some amazing businesses in town.

“We were proud to see Games Crusade recognised as one of the best businesses in the UK in the 2024 competition, and this year, we’d love to see even more Ilkley businesses nominated and recognised for the outstanding contribution they made to our community.”

The competition is run by Miconex, the company behind the Town & City Gift Cards initiative.

Ilkley has had its own version of the scheme since 2022, when the Ilkley Gift Card was launched by Ilkley BID to encourage people to spend locally.

Around 80 businesses currently accept the card, including Boots, Jigsaw, Clarks and Mint Velvet, alongside independents such as Games Crusade, Attic Womenswear, The Ilkley Cow and Three Little Birds Bakery.

Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, said:

“Support for our local businesses has never been higher.

“In our 2026 research 99% of people said they’re keen to support local and 73% said it has become even more important over the past 12 months.

“Favourite Local Business 2026 aims to shine a light on the hardworking local businesses across the UK.

“We’ll be celebrating nominations as they come in, so please take a moment to nominate your favourite local business in Ilkley.”

Nominations are free and can be submitted through the Love Local Win website.

The competition closes on Monday 30th November.

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