The best businesses in Bermuda were rewarded for their excellent customer service at the Department of Consumer Affairs yesterday.

Winner of the Best Small Business prize was Robert Sousa, of Robert Sousa?s Fruit and Vegetables.

?Small businesses are the backbone of any country?s economy,? vice chairman of the Consumer Affairs Board Travis Gilbert said. ?More often than not they are the small Mom and Pop stores that have been in business for generations. This small business has been serving Bermuda?s community for over 45 years. The present owner used to work with his uncle during the summer holidays and when his uncle retired, the business was handed over to him.?

One of Mr. Sousa?s customers wrote: ?He has knocked on my door come rain and shine with a cheerful smile on Saturdays for the past 20 years. I can select my produce and he carries it into my kitchen. If it is wet, he takes my list, fills the order and brings the bag in for me?.

Like the 43 other businesses in the running for the prize, Mr. Sousa was nominated by his customers.

The winner of the People?s Choice Award was Mrs. Shirmika Brown of El-Shaddai florist.

?They always go above and beyond,? a happy El-Shaddai customer wrote. ?In fact one day, she even gave me her newspaper to put with a delivery to my wife?.

This florist has been open since 2000 and have a staff of five people: four full-time and one part-time.

Mrs. Brown used to work for another floral shop, but has been successful on her own.

The Business Select award was won by Joshua Bate Trading (Bermuda) Limited.

The youngest business of the bunch, this shipping and handling company prides themselves in smoothing out the details while at the same time saving Bermudians time and money, Mr. Gilbert said.

?Their business model is truly unique in Bermuda,? a satisfied customer wrote.

Deciding the winner was the role of the Consumer Affairs Board.

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dale Butler said that ?today local businesses face many challenges... (But) Consumer Affairs has realised that businesses need to establish excellent customer service in order to be successful...?

?Today we take a step forward by acknowledging three businesses that are getting the elements right. Their innovative business practices and excellent customer service strategies are an example to us all,? he said. He said that Consumer Affairs was also going to launch educational commercials geared to help consumers make smarter purchases.

?This is another fine example of the Government?s Social Agenda at work ? building strong community spirit through community education and involvement,? he said.