The results are in, the votes have been counted and it's official - we really did feel the love in Croydon this year, in our 14 Days of Love competition.

Valentines is a special time of year for all those in love. It's when loved ones do that little something special to show they care. With times being tough thebestof Croydon's Local Champions have been encouraging local people to do the same and make an extra effort to show how much they appreciate the great businesses here in Croydon.

And so 2013 became a record breaking year for this much loved campaign. So much so, that in just two weeks from the 1-14 February we averaged one review every 24 seconds and in the final 4 days of the campaign it peaked at one every 8 seconds...

As with every year, people embraced the campaign, and with the support came phenomenal success, which was a real credit to all for our members for their hard work.

The 14 Days of Love has seen the best businesses across the UK go head to head to earn the title of ‘The Most Loved Business in the UK. For the 14 days leading up to Valentines Day consumers have had the chance to review their favourite local businesses reinvigorating and raising the profile of their local community. The locals here in Croydon have really done their bit.

This year saw McCarthy Cars steal the show - winning the coveted Most Loved Business in Croydon, Most Loved Car Dealer in the UK and coming 25th in the overall Most Loved Business in the UK. Criena Davies, Advertising Manager at McCarthy cars said: "I'm very happy to hear we are the Most Loved Business in Croydon and Most Loved Car Dealership in UK. But now I want to get to the top 10 of most loved businesses in the uk though for 2014!!! At least!"

Other highlights were K&O Pest Control winning Most Loved Business in their category of Pest Control, with others including Buffets by Design, Quality Drainage Company and Julian Hitch Martial Arts School of Excellence narrowly missing the top spots and coming in second in their categories.

Maud of thebestof Croydon said, “It’s been so exciting to see such a huge number of people actively talking about the great local businesses and demonstrating their feelings by voting in the 14 Days of Love. It just goes to show how much our communities are supporting their local independent businesses, which is great news for the British high street especially during difficult economic times. Small businesses are the engine room of our economy and lots of local business owners – and their loyal staff – are feeling great today because their efforts have been recognised and appreciated by so many of their customers.”

Congratulations to all our members who did so well this year. You're all winners in our eyes - and here's to an even better year in 2014!