The team at Houghton Country would like to say a huge thank you to our lovely customers! We’re delighted to have won the SEIB Retailer of the Year 2018 in the BETA Business awards, having been nominated by you, our fabulous Houghton Country Community!
Houghton Country in Heddon on the Wall, won SEIB Equestrian Store of the Year in the national 2018 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Business Awards.
Houghton Country were winners in the Retailer of the Year competition for their brand new country and equestrian store in Heddon on the Wall and runners up in the online category. Awards were presented during the BETA Gala Dinner, at the National Motorcycle Museum, near Birmingham, on Monday 22nd January.
Houghton Country, which specialises in country, equestrian and pet products, was founded in 2000 and directed by Sean and Diane Whiting who employ 17 members of staff from the local area.
“We’re overwhelmed to have won such a prestigious award, particularly as we were nominated by our customers, and it’s a huge affirmation of all the efforts we put in to launching our new and improved store” said Diane, of Houghton Country. “As prize winners in 2014 and 2016 in the medium retailer category we’re over the moon to have won this year where all sizes of retailers were grouped together and we really were up against the big players! In the best traditions of a specialist retailer, we always endeavour to offer a personal yet professional service – and it’s lovely to know that our efforts have been appreciated.”
As part of the final judging, a series of independent mystery shoppers and incognito telephone calls were conducted to judge the customer service and product knowledge of the staff.
“There were more than 1,000 nominations for the SEIB Retailer of the Year Award, so many congratulations go to Houghton Country for winning this award,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “BETA encourages the highest standards in equestrian retailing, enabling horse owners and riders to shop with confidence where they see the BETA sign.”
More than 150 tack shops and feed merchants across the UK are entitled to display the BETA logo, indicating their retail membership of the trade association and that they are properly run businesses offering reliable advice.
