Reflex@42

Bella June Flowers and Reflex @42 scoop Sussex awards 2023

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.”

Top Hassocks businesses get praised

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Muddy Stiletto Awards

By Caz Houghton

No, this isn’t about inappropriate footwear and getting stuck as your heels sink into wet grass on a walk up to Jack and Jill.

Muddy Stilettos has become the ‘urban guide to the countryside’, a reference for the best local things to do in local areas across 21 counties, including Sussex. Since 2013 it has been running an awards programme to celebrate independent, creative businesses.

During May you might have noticed a hive of activity as Hassocks residents made it their mission to show support to our local businesses, nominating and voting across 24 lifestyle categories. With over 15,000 businesses involved and 750,000 votes cast, you can’t help but feel proud that five of the Sussex finalists were from Hassocks:

Best Beauty Salon FINALIST: Profiles Health and Beauty

Best Hairdresser FINALIST: Reflex@42

Best Gift Shop FINALIST: Indigo

Best Jewellery Store FINALIST: Marvellous Marmalade

Best Florist WINNER: Bella June Flowers