'Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition.'   Alexander Smith

Do we recognise and appreciate the value of our local businesses - the essential contribution they make to our community and the personal service they offer that no multinational can match?  I think we probably do actually, and here is your opportunity to prove it.

The 14 Days of Love campaign launches on Wednesday 1st February 2012 with the aim of encouraging local people to submit an online review or testimonial for a much loved local business.  Remember the plumber who dashed round before the floodwater reached your best carpet; the hairdresser that fitted you in at an hour’s notice because you'd got your dates mixed up; the mechanic who you know you can absolutely trust? Croydon has a whole host of small businesses offering exceptional, high quality products and services, and now more than ever, your support and recognition is invaluable.

All you need to do is write a testimonial about your favourite Croydon business (or businesses – the more the merrier, we think!) It will only take a couple of minutes and for your effort, there are some fantastic prizes to be had as anyone who votes will be entered into thebestof’s daily draw throughout the 14 Days of Love campaign.  Prizes include:

• Dinner for two at a Michelin Star Restaurant
• A Ferrari Driving Experience at Silverstone
• Flowers or chocolates for a year    
• A pampering day at the luxurious Champneys Spa
• £250 gift voucher to be spent with any thebestof business   
• An unforgettable experience on the Orient Express
• ...plus many more.

Are you one of the best businesses in Croydon?

Calling all Croydon businesses – this is no time to hide your light under a bushel!  We are notoriously bad in this country at blowing our own trumpets, and certainly we don't ask others to blow it for us.  Well it's about time we did.  Remember to point your customers in the direction of thebestof Croydon – all you have to do is ask them to write a few sentences stating why you’re one of their most loved businesses (hopefully the incentive of all those lovely prizes will encourage even the most reticent of customers to pen a few words on your behalf!)

Previous years have seen the campaign generate considerably positive publicity for the businesses involved, last year making several national newspapers.  This is a unique and fantastic way of promoting the local businesses that contribute to our thriving communities.  And don't forget the value of business to business testimonials.

The 14 Days of Love campaign is run nationally via all thebestof sites and already Croydon has some strong contenders on the Love-O-Meter:

• McCarthy Cars currently is standing at No. 1 in Car Dealers nationally, and is Croydon's 2nd most loved business
• Jam Hair is at No. 4 in Hairdressers nationally and is currently Croydon's most loved business
• Buffets by Design is No. 2 nationally in Catering    
• Safety is the Key is No. 5 nationally in Health and Safety
• The Best of Croydon is No. 3 nationally in PR and Marketing   
• Thinkpad Print and Design is No. 2 nationally in Printers
• Injoy is No. 5 nationally in Yoga and Pilates

Let's see who else we can deservedly push towards the top of the tables!

To add your vote and be in with a chance of winning one of the fantastic prizes on offer, simply click here.  Come on Croydon, show some love and let's do ourselves proud!