Heston Blumenthal presents award to Norfolk company

A King's Lynn company has been awarded a Retail Innovation Award in a national ceremony.

The House Wares Innovation industry event saw Cook to Perfection, which has a High Street shop in Lynn, take the award for businesses with turnover of less than �1m.

It was the first time the award had been made and the prize was presented by renowned chef Heston Blumenthal.

The store moved premises last year and owners Alastair and Melanie Done had to significantly increase stock holding due to the larger space.

Mr Done said: 'It is great for us to be recognised by our peers for all of the hard work that has been put in over the last year, by us and our staff.' 'Retailing on the High Street is very much under the spotlight at the moment with the Mary Portas Review, and I believe that this award shows that independent traders have a lot to offer towns,' he added.

One of the judges said: 'In a challenging retail environment, they should be rewarded for such a bold move.'

'They're holding their own - the business is thriving - and they are constantly inventing retail initiatives to keep things moving forward. We take our hats off to them.'

Among the list of initiatives was installing an Italian kitchen for in-store demonstrations, sponsoring the local pantomime and a variety of local productions.

Cook to Perfection first opened its doors in June 2008 at 2 High Street, before moving to larger premises at 47 High Street in April last year.

The Retail Innovation Award for businesses with a �1m to �10m turnover went to West Country cookshop chain Kitchens. The Gold award for retailers with a �10m-plus turnover went to John Lewis. The Rising Star accolade, which recognises excellent new retail businesses, was awarded to Papylon of north London.