Two businesses on Hassocks high street are winners in a county-wide competition. The Muddy Stilettos Awards 2023, in which customers nominate and vote for the local businesses they value most, romped to a close in June. Across the UK, an astonishing 77,000 businesses were nominated and 800,000 votes were cast in 2023.

In Sussex, the winner of the Muddy Stiletto Award in the florist category is Bella June Flowers. Managing Director, Kelly Harding says: “I was so excited just to have been nominated again this year for Best Sussex Florist, but to win first place is the best feeling.” The awards are particularly important in these challenging times, and Kelly adds: “Being a small business owner whilst juggling family and life can be tough and it’s easy to forget you’re not alone, and now I feel a rejuvenated sense of love and support for my little shop and the whole high street.” She wants to give huge heartfelt thanks to each and everybody that voted for all our local businesses in the village, and says: “It means so much!”

Reflex @42 won the Muddy Stiletto Award in the Hair Salon category. Owner and manager of the salon, Hayley Elphick, appreciates the support of the local community and says: “We are very honoured to have won the Muddy Stilettos Best Salon in Sussex again. I want to thank everyone because we honestly couldn’t have done this without our clients and all those around here who voted for us. This amazing achievement means more to us because it’s voted for by YOU.”