A WYTHALL based farm narrowly missed out on a prestigious award - losing to internationally renowned Selfridges & Co.

Becketts Farm, a third generation family business with strong roots in South Birmingham, was commended as finalists in the Retail Business of the Year category, of the Birmingham Business Post Awards 2018.

Held earlier this month at the ICC in Birmingham, the awards ceremony celebrated a whole variety of business talent from across the city.

Sadly, the farm didn't win.

Simon Beckett, third generation owner and current managing director, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised as a finalist in the Retail Business of the Year Category and I suppose that if you are going to lose out on being the overall category winner to anyone, who better than internationally renowned Selfridges & Co.

"It does take me back to 10 years ago in 2008 when we last entered a large retail awards ceremony, on which occasion we lost out to Fortnum and Mason.

"But what an honour to rub shoulders with some of the retail greats, presenting us with an opportunity whereby we can learn and aspire.”

The Wythall based farm shop business add this accolade to a number of other award achievements this year, including winner of the People’s Choice Award in the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards and Highly Commended in the Best Eating Out Category of the Visit Worcestershire Awards.

Mr Beckett added: “I must say that this accolade and the others we have been awarded this year, are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the whole team at Becketts Farm that we are in this fortunate position.

"Their passion for the retail excellence that we strive to deliver is at the heart of the continued success of this family business.”