AFTER a huge volume of entries from voters, Borders MP John Lamont MP has now announced six winners of his Small Business Awards 2022 competition.

The businesses are - WK Hair Design & Beauty in Galashiels, Gordon Arms Bar & Cafe in Gordon, KD Fit in Kelso, R&L Taxis in Selkirk, the Ancrum Pantry in Ancrum, and Think Fitness 4 Less in Hawick.

The contest attracted more than 600 nominations for a host of small businesses across the Scottish Borders.

One of the recipients, Wendy Kelly who owns WK Hair Design & Beauty in Galashiels said: “I’d like to say a huge thanks to all my super clients that voted for me and kept us going through the pandemic, and also to stylist Lezley and beautician Lauren.

“I didn’t even know that I had been nominated so when I received the phone call I felt very humbled but happy to have received this award. The certificate is now displayed on the reception desk.”

The MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk said that the awards demonstrated the number of brilliant small businesses operating in the Scottish Borders and urged people to spend their money locally in the run-up to Christmas.

He said: “Thank you to everyone who put forward a brilliant local business for recognition and well done to the winners.

“We received a huge volume of nominations, which confirms again how lucky we are in the Scottish Borders to have so many great local shops, services, cafes, and enterprises of all kinds.

“I am delighted to highlight and celebrate just a few of the many fantastic small businesses who do great work and need our support in these difficult economic times.

“I hope everyone across the Scottish Borders will spend their money locally if possible and help local businesses to survive and thrive in the months and years ahead.”