This year's 14 Days of Love campaign saw unprecedented levels of support and testimonials being submitted for thousands of businesses the length and breadth of the country. The people of Croydon have proven their appreciation for our local businesses, who can be satisfied that their efforts do not go unrecognised.

Our congratulations go to Croydon's Most Loved business, Jam Hair - their dedication to excellent customer service, up to the minute styling and specialist treatments has certainly paid off. Hairdressers can sometimes be intimidating places - you are putting your crowning glory into their hands - yet time and again the testimonials for Jam Hair quote their 'friendly and caring' service. Any decently trained hairdresser can give you a good cut, but not all can provide the relaxed yet professional ambience of this Croydon salon.

Among the hundreds of testimonials on behalf of Jam Hair, their reputation can be summed up by what Danny W had to say:-

"The service is always second to none, everyone is really friendly and always greets their customers with a smile. I have nothing bad to say about the Jam Hair Team; they are lovely."

And let's make it a double celebration - Jam Hair has placed at number 53 in the UK's Top 100 Hairdressers! To be placed so highly in one of the most heavily populated categories is no mean feat. Once again, congratulations to Jam Hair.

Croydon's second placed business is McCarthy Cars. This company has gone a long way towards dispelling the 'wide boy used car sales' myth that much of the trade has unfairly been tarnished with. A family run business for nearly 40 years, their reputation sets them apart and their service, both in used car sales as well as servicing, MOT's and all things motoring, is second to none. In the words of one extremely satisfied customer:-

"It is reassuring to know that there is a used car sales place like McCarthy cars in Croydon that genuinely want to look after their customers so well and I will definitely be recommending them to my family and friends in the future and also using them myself as well. I would not go anywhere else for a used car now!" Ann Marie S

And if this was not proof enough of their exceptional reputation, surely their placing at number 85 on the national table in this highly competitive field certainly is! Well done McCarthy Cars!

Third placed in Croydon is The Social Strategy. Now clearly, given the evidence of the testimonials, many of you are aware of the great work this company does for small businesses. However, if they have yet to claim your attention, we would urge you to head to our Business Directory and check out what people have to say about them. In a nutshell:-

"These ladies are social media business powerhouses. If you want to work with 2 inspired and inspiring people that are savvy, motivated, energetic, and who will make your business a priority of their business then this is the only social media support you will ever need. my top tip? Get in now before you miss out!" Siobhan

From the evidence of this and other testimonials it would appear that these ladies are worth their weight in gold to any business owner. Congratulations and long may they continue to share their skills and knowledge.

Proof that Croydon is a hotbed for business people and entrepreneurs, our fourth Most Loved business is Nigel Botterill's Entrepreneurs Circle. Providing you with the skills, knowledge and tools to grow your business dramatically and achieve optimum results, it is clear that many Croydon businesses have availed themselves of their services to their absolute benefit.

And holding a respectable fifth place on the Love-O-Meter is Thinkpad Print and Design. Producing high quality digital and lithograph printing and a bespoke creative design service, Croydon's businesses clearly recognise the excellent all round design and marketing solutions they provide. And from the testimonials posted, they provide this effectively, efficiently and at a price that suits. Well done to them!

The response to the 14 Days of Love campaign has been overwhelming nationwide, proving that local communities most definitely appreciate the businesses and services they have on their doorstep. ALL our members deserve a mention but space sadly does not permit - but here's to next year. Keep those testimonials coming in and Croydon's businesses will continue to go from strength to strength.