The finalists in the Ipswich Independents Award 2015 have been announced.

Ipswich Star: New Cafe, Cool Beanz opening in shop unit within Grafton House.New Cafe, Cool Beanz opening in shop unit within Grafton House. (Image: Archant)

For the fourth year running, Ipswich Central is looking to crown the Ipswich Independent Business of the Year, as voted for by customers.

Voting has now closed in the search for Ipswich’s Independent Business of the Year 2015 and those votes have now been collected and counted.

The winner will be announced on October 29.

The title was won last year by Alaturka Turkish Restaurant in Great Colman Street, Ipswich.

Ipswich Star: Alaturka win All About Ipswich Award Semra Avcikaya, Of Alaturka with Paul Clement of Ipswich CentralAlaturka win All About Ipswich Award Semra Avcikaya, Of Alaturka with Paul Clement of Ipswich Central

Paul Clement, chief executive of Ipswich Central, said: “Independent businesses are what make Ipswich unique. They give the town character and enable a visitor experience like no other.

“The people of Ipswich love their independent businesses and we’ve received hundreds of nominations from people voting for their favourite shop, bar, restaurant and service over the last few weeks.

“It’s independent businesses which will be the high street names of the future and it’s pleasing to see that Ipswich is home to so many people looking to embark on this journey.”

He said: “We are pleased to now be able to reveal the top 11 businesses this year.”

Ipswich Star: Fish Face in The Walk, IpswichFish Face in The Walk, Ipswich (Image: Archant)

The finalists are:

• Riley and Riley

• Berridges

• Hydrojetz

Ipswich Star: Berridges in Dial Lane, IpswichBerridges in Dial Lane, Ipswich (Image: Archant)

• Just Essentials

• FishFace

• Cool Beanz

• Carats

Ipswich Star: Just Essentials, Upper Brook Street, IpswichJust Essentials, Upper Brook Street, Ipswich (Image: Archant)

• Jacey’s

• Pocketwatch and Petticoats

• Peggy’s Place

• Applaud Coffee

Helen Dodman Ipswich Centreal marketing manager added: “Our mystery shopper has already been out to sample the businesses above and has fed back on the overall experience of being a customer.

“Our judging panel will now meet to decide the winner and they will be awarded at the Ipswich Central Conference at the end of October.”

The Ipswich Central Conference takes place at the Waterfront Building, UCS on Thursday October 29, from 9am to 1pm.