THE combined efforts of two Somerset businesses have seen them scoop a prestigious prize from a virtual awards show.

Hippychick, a multi-million pound baby and nursery goods team based in Bridgwater, has taken home the Progressive Preschool 'best distributor award'.

They scooped the gong with the support of C&D South West, a Chard-based transport and logistics company.

The award is voted for by nursery retailers, the final link in the supply chain.

Julia and Jeremy Minchin, joint managing directors of Hippychick, attended the online ceremony.

They said: “It’s been a challenging year for us, as well as for our competitors, on every level.

"It’s really reassuring to know that we’re still doing a good job for our customers, despite all the issues we have had to face in this unprecedented year, including working with a skeleton staff of just four people during the first lockdown, and the complex issues in managing stock coming into the country from abroad.

“That said, we couldn’t have done this alone. The support and service that we have received from everyone at C&D has been nothing short of incredible, especially at a time when the transport industry has been stretched to the limit.

"We’re proud to have C&D represent us – they’re a trusted and valued partner that have helped us to maintain the high level of service that our customers have come to expect.”

Lorna Hammond is the managing director at C&D South West.

She said: “It’s simply fantastic that such a valued client has be recognised by their industry, especially because those who voted are the retailers who take deliveries though the supply chain that C&D provide.

“Hippychick have been a client of ours since 2013 and we’ve watched them grow into the successful business that they’ve become today.

"Together we have ridden the Covid-19 storm this year and, as we approach a time when a vaccine is on the horizon, we’ll continue with our partnership and celebrate their success face to face, just as soon as we’re allowed to.”