IT ALL turned out well for a specialist in wedding suit hire and bespoke tailoring when they took part in a prestigious competition.

Black Tie, which has a shop in Basingstoke’s Top of The Town, won the Best Groomswear Retailer accolade at the You & Your Wedding Bridal Retail Awards 2014, held in London.

The national awards celebrate retailers that provide the very best experience for couples planning their big day.

Graeme Healy, pictured right, who runs the business with his father Chris and brother-in-law Alex Kershaw, said: “To be nominated for the award was very pleasing because there were a number of our clients who contacted the You & Your Wedding magazine to nominate us.

“We were up against some stiff competition, including people like Austin Reed – so for a small family business like us to win was fantastic.”

Graeme added: “We have always had a strong reputation for our friendly customer service, and because of our history in the trade.

“My father trained in Savile Row for Gieves & Hawkes and later worked in military tailoring before setting up his own business over 25 years ago. So between us we have a lot of knowledge and experience to pass on to happy couples.”

Black Tie opened its New Street doors for business in October 2012, to complement its shop in Crowthorne.

Both shops provide bespoke tailoring services as well as offering wedding and dinner suit hire.

Upbeat about business here in Basingstoke, Graeme said: “We opened up here in Basingstoke because we saw a gap in the market. We’ve had a brilliant first year and this year is looking good too.”

The location of the shop seems to be a perfect match for neighbouring business Elderberry Brides.

Both firms work well alongside each other and to exemplify this, they will hold a mini wedding fair this Sunday, at their premises from 11am to 4pm.