A MORAY SHOP that sought to buck the trend by opening up in Elgin’s town centre has been nominated for a national business award.

When Sarah Holmes opened her ‘Pencil Me In’ shop in June it was with a determination to prove that not only was there still life in the hard-pressed town centre, but a business could actually thrive there.

Now the shop has been shortlisted as Sole Trader of the Year at the British Small Business Awards.

The luxury stationery and collection of superbly stylish cards have seen sales booming – with over speciality pencils having been sold – with a new ‘hot foil’ pencil printer offering instant personalisation proving particularly popular with customers.

Now Sarah and her shop are one of nine listed from 250 sole traders – and only one of two selected from Scotland.

Sarah told insideMoray: “We are really excited to be shortlisted, before relocating to Elgin, Pencil Me In was only a part time business. The space we now occupy is six times bigger than we had before – and with a much higher turnover and stock requirement, it has been super fun getting to grips with a bigger operation.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has shopped with us since we opened and look forward to bringing you even more unique products on the run up to Christmas.”

Sarah will be attending the award ceremony at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden London on Thursday, October 20.

Pencil me In can be found online at their Facebook page.

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