Cheers to winners

CONGRATULATIONS to all the finalists in the Newark Business Awards 2012. The awards were presented at a glittering black-tie event at Kelham Hall on Tuesday.

The Advertiser, and generous sponsors, were again at the heart of what is the area’s premier event for the business community, acknowledging success and innovation.

There were several outstanding candidates for the overall Business of the Year title, but this year it went to the Just Beer micropub, in Swan and Salmon Yard.

Opened in August 2010 by four friends with a shared passion for real ale, Just Beer is no stranger to industry awards — earlier this year, for instance, it was named the Campaign for Real Ale’s East Midlands pub of the year.

Now its success has been deservedly recognised by business experts in the town it serves.

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The easing of parking restrictions allowing better access to Newark town centre at the weekends and in the evenings is to be welcomed.

Businesses wanted loading bays that stood empty for long periods to be available for short-stay shoppers.

The 30 minutes being made available in bays in Stodman Street, Middlegate and Kirkgate on Saturdays and Sundays doesn’t sound a lot but could make a big difference to trade.

The maximum stay in some limited parking bays just off the town centre is being increased from 30 minutes to an hour between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday and should certainly help.

In this case Nottinghamshire County Council has listened to local people who know what their town needs.