A LONG-standing Chirk business has been shortlisted for a prestigious award after their efforts throughout 2020.

Seventh Heaven, based in Chirk Road, have been shortlisted for the Family Business of the Year Awards 2021, run by Family Business United.

It previously won the Family Business of the Year in Wales award at the awards in 2016, and this year have been shortlisted in the People’s Choice category.

Business owners, Tony and Tracy Butler, said they are thrilled to have been nominated for the award after such a challenging year.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for the awards,” they said.

“These are difficult times for us all, with tragedy sadly affecting so many.

“The challenges businesses have had to face since early last year have been immense and Seventh Heaven has not been immune.

“Most importantly we have all kept safe. We’re so proud of how hard our team has worked, both to keep everyone out of harm’s way, and also to ensure the business continued throughout the crisis.”

Seventh Heaven is a family-run business which moved to Chirk in 1976, after opening in 1971.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the business being opened, and the couple believe being shortlisted for the award is a perfect way to begin the milestone year.

They both gave a special mention to their customers for their support, especially throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

They said: “A huge thank you to our wonderful customers who have been instrumental in keeping us going throughout the pandemic – we quite literally could not have survived without your loyalty.

“There is a great deal to look forward to this year, and 2021 is very special for us.

“It marks 50 years of Seventh Heaven, 50 years of our family business and 50 years of providing luxury nights’ sleep to customers across the UK and the world.

“From the humble beginnings of a Saturday market stall in Blackheath in 1971, Jerry and Meryl Butler founded a business that has lasted half a century. That is truly something to celebrate.

“It seems a perfect way to begin our 50-year anniversary with being shortlisted for this award, and we once again ask for your support.

“We appreciate all your nominations and wish you the very best of health and prosperity for this year ahead.”

Seventh Heaven is shortlisted for the People’s Choice award, and people can vote for them to be the eventual winner online at https://familybusinessunited.com/2021/01/04/vote-for-the-north-northern-ireland-peoples-choice-fboty2021-2/