Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches and The Best of Guernsey are really getting into the mood of love with the launch of their 14 DAYS OF LOVE 2011 Campaign on the 1st February.
What is 14 Days of Love?
The campaign was run for the first time last year and was hugely successful both nationally and for many local businesses. 14 Days of Love encourages local people across the island to ‘show some love’ by writing testimonials in support of local businesses.
"Small businesses are the unsung heroes of our community and we really want islanders to make their day and tell them how much their service means," says Kate Heywood of The Best of Guernsey, "Running a business on this island can be expensive and with the current economic climate we have witnessed the loss of some good companies locally. If we all want to continue enjoying these services on our doorstep we need to show our support."
Are You A Great Lover?
A Prize Draw is being run by ‘The Best Of’ to find ‘the best lovers’. Those who post testimonials for local businesses on The Best of Guernsey website between 1st and 14th February will be entered into the national draw with fantastic prizes being given every day during the 14 days of the campaign. Prizes include an Apple iPad, a hot air balloon ride, a luxurious spa day and a Michelin star restaurant dinner for two.
In addition, The Best of Guernsey will also be giving away a £200 voucher to one lucky Guernsey ‘lover’ who posts a recommendation before midnight on Valentine’s Day.
Some of The Best of Guernsey business members who took part in the campaign last year did exceptionally well in gaining many accolades from their loyal and appreciative customers. Sueco Outside Catering were crowned the ‘most loved’ in Guernsey with 77 testimonials posted in just 14 days. And two other companies, Avant Garden and Pavillion Interiors came top in their relevant categories in the whole of the UK – quite an achievement for a small local business up against companies from much larger towns.
This year, all testimonials posted since 1 March 2010 up until 14 February 2011 will be added to the website’s Love-O-Meter which will ultimately decide who the ‘Most Loved’ businesses are, both locally and nationally. By posting a testimonial, people can therefore get involved by influencing the Love-O-Meter score for a business featured on The Best of Guernsey that has offered them great service and advice, friendly staff and / or value for money for example. .
“We urge everyone in Guernsey to spend a bit of time celebrating our local business community and support local firms that really make a difference. Who knows? This year, we could get a local business listed amongst the top 100 most loved businesses in the whole of the UK!” continues Kate.
Many Best of Guernsey business members are really getting involved and entering into the spirit of the campaign with Valentine themed offers and events:
The Day Salon’s holistic therapist, Katie Maclaren has had a heart shape spray-tanned on her back. (see below).
Catherine Best have designed special Love Letters and Heart Pendants.
Quay Gallery is putting together a special display of artist Doug Hyde’s Heart range in their shop window.
BoConcept at Pavillion Interiors is offering a 20% discount off their luxurious and comfortable beds.
Bonboniera are filling houses and restaurants with red foil heart balloons and teddy bears.
Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop has an eye-catching display of ladies bikes – Pashley Poppy, Marin Kentfield and men’s bikes – Giant Revel, Cannondale Trail in their shop window.
Langlois Photography is focusing on their wedding photographic service.
OSA is holding a Valentine’s Day competition with chocolate treat prizes.
Shanine Levrier Photography is holding Boudoir and Couple Shoots.
A+ Accounting, Channel Island Skills Academy, Equilibrium Massage Therapy, Sensible Home Technology, Sueco and Trouteaud Opticians and are amongst the many other Best of Guernsey business members backing the campaign.
‘The Best Of’ have also launched a social media campaign enabling you to show your support for 14 Days of Love on:
Twibbon (add a 14 Days of Love Twibbon to your profile)
The 14 Days of Love campaign for 2011 reaches a crescendo during the period 1 - 14 February, at the end of which the Top 10 Most Loved Guernsey Businesses and top 100 for the UK will be announced.
To add a testimonial for a local business that has given you great service, visit www.thebestof.co.uk/guernsey.
(Photograph below taken by Mike Brehaut from Creative Photography of Katie Maclaren from The Day Salon).
