BUSINESS owner Rachel Terry has been shortlisted as finalist in the upcoming Chippenham Business Improvement District (BID) Awards 2020.

The 61-year-old who has run the Citadel Hall, in Chippenham town centre, for more than six years and is also well known as founder of the town’s belly-dancing group The Sahara Sisters, is nominated in the customer service category at the awards.

Rachel has been running her venue hire business after discovering The Citadel Hall while looking for a new meeting place for The Sahara Sisters. She saw the potential of the venue, which is something of a hidden gem in the town centre.

She’s worked hard to ensure The Citadel Hall is seen as a great venue in North Wiltshire and beyond for all sorts of business, community and family events from children’s parties, business workshops to belly dancing shows.

“I can’t describe how proud, humble and grateful I feel to be a finalist in the Customer Service Award category. I try hard to make every customer experience unique. This award nomination comes after two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019, when The Citadel Hall received a 100 percent rating for customer service in a mystery shopper survey.

"I thought getting 100 per cent for customer service was good but this tops that in every way. I’m looking forward to attending the event, I just need to find a dress.” said Rachel Terry.

Winners will be revealed at a gala event at the Neeld Community and Arts Centre, on February 13.

The Chippenham Business Awards celebrates the achievements of businesses in and around the town and also raises the profile of Chippenham as a place of thriving independent business. This year saw an increase in entries of 38% compared to the 1st awards in 2017.

To see all the finalists of the Chippenham Business Awards visit: www.chippenhambusinessawards.co.uk and to find out more about The Citadel Hall visit: www.thecitadelhall.co.uk