A traditional family run greengrocers, run by young couple David and Loo Morton, are the winners of Richmond’s David Doorbar Award for Customer Care, Innovation and Overall Excellence.
David and Loo set up their business in Richmond’s Market Place 6-years ago with the intention of giving the town a quality shop offering a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables and local produce. Free-range eggs are laid in Wensleydale; Dales Dairies bring milk and cream from Grassington; Swaledale cheese is produced in Richmond and Country Products near York supply their range of dry goods.
Neeps and Tatties received a great selection of positive comments from the people who nominated their business, including this glowing accolade: “The Morton’s tireless endeavour to deliver great produce, stemming from their obvious passion for healthy food. Their customer service is second to none”. Another wrote, “Engaging enterprise with friendly approach and clear business strategy to support the Dales community with shop and direct deliveries.”
The displays outside the Mortons’ shop are always beautifully presented and they continue to improve their offer, having recently installed a delicatessen counter. In presenting the award yesterday evening, Mrs. Faye Doorbar said: “Loo and David so obviously work hard to provide terrific, high quality produce, local where possible, in their shop and as well as delivering to the door and they ensure that all their staff are friendly and helpful. David and Loo are indeed a great example of a business that recognises the benefits of providing excellent customer care and innovative ways of delivering their product”.
David and Loo are thrilled at being nominated and said, “We are very humbled to have been chosen for the David Doorbar Award. We always strive to provide a service to meet the needs of our customers, and for the staff and ourselves to have been recognised is hugely appreciated. We would also like to thank all our customers who voted for us”.
Coming a close second in the nominations was Mocha Chocolate Shop, run by husband and wife team Dennis and Elizabeth Graves. Amongst the compliments given to the shop were, “Dennis and Elizabeth always greet you with a smile, nothing is ever too much trouble and they always deliver a superb service.” “Super friendly, smiling staff are welcoming, efficient and helpful. The shop is inviting with a real community spirit and always something new. Adding the coffee shop was inspired”.
Nominated in third place was King Street Kitchen and Gifts: “Alyson is hard working and passionate about her shop and about the community”. “This shop breathed new life into King Street. Even before you open the door the sheer beauty and care of the hanging baskets let’s you know how special this store is!”.
Also nominated were Alessandros Sicilian Restaurant; Angus Morton Butchers; Arthur Caygill Cycles; Barretts Café Bistro; Charltons Estate Agents; Costa Coffee; Crossview Tearooms; Dot’s Place; Duncans Tea Room; Edwina’s Cakes; Frenchgate Fudge; G beauty Boutique; Gem; Greggs the Bakers; Hamiltons Butchers; Headlines; Irvings Property; Jefferson Grocer; John Meynell Pet and Garden Supplies; Lemon; Lucy Pittaway; Oxfam; Purple Creative; Richmond Motor Services; Richmond Swimming Pool; Rodbers of Richmond; SG Petch; Showcase Gallery; SIP; Station Shop; Taylors Butchers; The Green Howards Museum Shop; The Raw Store; Trinity Menswear and York House Antiques.
Chairman of the Original Richmond, Richmond Business and Tourism Association (RBTA), Marcia McLuckie is encouraged by the number of nominations: “All these businesses were nominated by members of the public. It shows the variety of shops we have in Richmond and the dedication owners, managers and staff give to their businesses. This is exactly what Richmond needs to encourage shoppers to use and appreciate our local shops and produce.”
Mrs. Doorbar added, “It is really heartening that the award in David’s name has received so many nominations, for a broad cross section of businesses in and around Richmond with such positive comments from those who voted. This is exactly the style and attitude to business that my husband strove for and wanted for the town”. People who made nominations were asked to consider how their chosen business is presented - exterior and interior and window displays - presentation of the staff, welcome to customers, efficiency, a desire to help and innovative ideas that keep the business fresh.
David Doorbar was passionate about Richmond and he wanted the town to thrive. He believed that businesses should strive to achieve the best and to look after their customers in the best possible way. He believed strongly that Richmond has the potential to develop into one of the most vibrant town centres in England, with an enthusiastic and successful retail sector at its heart. This award in his name shows that Richmond is well on the way to achieving David’s ambition.