We're still pinching ourselves over here.

Last week (June 25th 2026) we headed along to the Sturminster Newton Business Awards not really knowing what to expect, just happy to be nominated. First up, we were named winner of "My Favourite Business" — and honestly, that alone would have made our year. Being picked out by the people who shop with us week in, week out means more to us than any trophy ever could.

Then, later in the ceremony, came the moment we genuinely weren't prepared for: Smiley Myley Dog Accessories was announced as the overall Business of the Year for the whole town.

We're not going to pretend we kept it together. We didn't.

Why this one means so much

We could talk about the awards themselves, but really, this isn't about us. It's about you.

Both of these awards were decided by public vote — by locals, by customers, by people who've walked through our door in Sturminster Newton or ordered something for their dog online and decided we were worth backing. That's the bit that gets us. We work hard every single day to look after our customers (and their dogs!) properly, but you never quite know if that effort is landing the way you hope it is.

Turns out it was. And then some.

A thank you, properly said

To everyone who voted, told a friend about us, popped in for treats, or simply kept coming back — thank you. Running a small business in a town like Sturminster Newton is a two-way thing. You support us, and we try every day to deserve that support. This award belongs as much to you as it does to us.

We also want to say a huge thank you to the organisers of the Sturminster Newton Business Awards for putting on such a brilliant night celebrating the town's businesses — there is so much talent and hard work in this town, and it was a privilege just to be in the room with the other nominees.

What's next

This isn't the kind of thing that changes what we do day to day — we'll still be here, same shop, same dogs (A big hello from Mylo and Pepa 🐶), same commitment to doing right by our customers. But it is the kind of thing that reminds us why we started this in the first place, and gives us a real boost to keep pushing Smiley Myley Dog Accessories forward.

So — from all of us (and a couple of very confused dogs who don't understand why we're suddenly so happy) — thank you, Sturminster Newton. We won't forget this one.

Smiley Myley Dog Accessories Proudly serving Sturminster Newton's dogs (and their humans) since day one.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information. We hope you found it both insightful and beneficial.

Tim & Claire x

Also Mylo our Yorkie, and Pepa our rescue dog x