Gosport's best independent business for 2025 revealed
The Raw Pet Deli, a small company based in Hardway, has been voted Gosport's best independent business for 2025 in a public vote.
The Raw Pet Deli topped the poll with 21% of the nominations and testimonials from customers such as: "Friendly, professional and personal service, Clare the owner is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help, she remembers all the dogs' names, gives our beloved four-legged friends plenty of fuss and treats."
A passion for pet nutrition
Clare Woodford, from The Raw Pet Deli said: "I absolutely love what I do keeping the dogs and cats of Gosport happy and healthy through nutrition and gut health.
"My passion for pet nutrition started about 10 years ago when my own dog Zuma was a very poorly puppy - he was consistently having bouts of gastroenteritis and hospital stays. I found a local nutritionist who helped improve Zuma's diet, and through her teaching and my own research I found a passion for dog health and nutrition.
"Unfortunately that business sadly closed, so I decided to open my own. A lovely unit became available opposite where I live in Gosport, and I'm positive it was just meant to be as everything just fell into place."
Clare added: "Looking into the future I am excited to see what it brings - and so long as it involves lots of healthy, happy dogs and puppies I'll be loving it still."
As winners, The Raw Pet Deli will receive promotion as Gosport's favourite independent business and a 1-2-1 marketing support package including bespoke video content. They and the top runners-up also attended a celebration reception with the Mayor of Gosport at the Town Hall.
Wide range of small businesses celebrated
T By the Sea - a café based in Victoria Quay. One customer said: "This is an excellent cafe with a great location, a good atmosphere and a friendly owner. The food is superb and affordable. The cafe is clean and welcoming. I also love that it is dog friendly."
Simply Beauty - a salon on St Thomas Road. One of the nominations said: "Always friendly and accommodating whenever I want to book. Tracey works gently and efficiently delivering all her treatments. Great offers and great prices."
Other shortlisted businesses included:
- Solent Retreat - a self-catering apartment in Alverstoke
- P&J's Food - a food and drink clearance business based on Gosport High Street and near Fort Brockhurst
- Flamin' Good Crafts - a craft business in Hardway offering classes, workshops and a range of products
- Rosarios & Co - an independent coffee shop in Fareham Reach Business Park
- Alverstoke Village Hardware - a family-run home, pet and garden business
- KatieAnn Designs - bespoke jewellery design shop offering care and repair services, on Stoke Road
- The Book Shop - an independent bookseller involved in the local community, and the oldest shop in Lee-on- the Solent
- A Slice of Vinyl - a friendly record shop offering a space for the community of music enthusiasts with events, live music and a range of products
Councillor Peter Chegwyn, Leader of the Council said: "Over 60 different businesses received nominations, spanning the breadth of our borough. This is a real testament to the strength and diversity of our local economy."
Other support for local businesses
Businesses looking to participate next year are encouraged to subscribe to the Council's Business Bulletin email newsletter, where updates on this competition and other initiatives promoting and supporting local businesses are shared.
Gosport Borough Council is also running a range of free workshops for businesses to learn more about and implement digital marketing skills, including writing content and video skills. These can be booked via Eventbrite. They are being run as part of the Council's Digital Strategy to boost our economy, funded by the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Published 31 January 2025
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