Best Newcomer 2012 - Gently Elephant

Gently Elephant, the Brockley Road children's shoe and gift shop, has won the Brockley Central 'Best Newcomer 2012 Award' for local businesses. The team collected 39% of the public vote in a field that was at least as competitive as any in the Award's history.

The first retailer in the area to focus on the young-family market, Gently Elephant has also dramatically improved the appearance of the stretch of high street near Brockley Station. By marrying friendly customer service with a high-quality range and store environment, they have created one of the few shops in Brockley that attracts shoppers from further afield, earning a recent recommendation in Time Out's Babies and Children round-up.

Together with nearby electronics retailer Cash Tech, they have ensured that considerably more of BC's discretionary spending stayed local this year, saving us a lot of hassle in the process.

Gently Elephant's Helen Sheward says:

We are delighted to have been named newcomer of the year from a truly magnificent selection of new businesses. Every single one in our view has added a new dimension to our lives as residents and each has been whole-heartedly supported by a very loyal community. It's been an amazing year for us and we've got some exciting plans for the year to come. Thank you to everyone who voted for us and of course to our customers who have made it all possible.

Congratulations to Gently Elephant and to The Gantry and Pistachios in the Park, who came second and third respectively.

Best Newcomer 2011 - Brockley Market
Best Newcomer 2010 - El's Kitchen
Best Newcomer 2009 - The Orchard