ONE of the victors in Nailsea’s Win a Shop competition has decided to shut down after a year of trading.

Fran Hunt opened up Partysmartys in Crown Glass Shopping Centre after wowing judges with her impressive ideas during the contest last year.

Fran was given the shop free of rent and rates for a year and provided with free support from financial, banking, retail and marketing experts.

The competition was held to attract new businesses to the town, but despite hosting numerous events and supporting a number of charitable causes, the business owner has decided to close.

She said: “During the year we have enjoyed hosting several events in the shop – cupcake decorating competitions, art design competitions, flower arranging demonstrations and visits from local entertainers.

“In February we turned the store into a wedding destination shop and were assisted by other local suppliers, to create a real buzz in the shopping centre.

“Having had the opportunity to promote our business we have also tried to share our good fortune and for a month in the shop window we showcased the amazing workmanship of the students at the Brandon Trust Learning Disability Centre and their handcrafted pottery and woodwork.”

Since it opened, the shop has also supported Sammy Grantham from Portishead, who has cerebral palsy and is raising money to pay for his dog Bengy to receive specialist training so he can attend mainstream school.

Partysmartys dedicated its last day, on Saturday, to Sammy and handed over the money it has raised for him throughout the year.

Fran said: “I’ve had a lovely time and really enjoyed it.

“We also had several mentors who have been brilliant in helping us, namely Simon from Waitrose, Heather from HSBC Bank and Janet from Ward & Co Solicitors.

“Partysmartys are sad to be leaving the shop in Nailsea but would like to assure all our customers we are still in business and continue to sell from our websites.”

The shop is at www.partysmartys.co.uk and www.weddingworks.org.uk