The Phone Whisperer is Warrington's Best Independent Business 2023

In fact, the Latchford-based shop is Warrington’s Best Independent Shop or Business 2023 thanks to hundreds of votes cast by their loyal customers.

Each week, we will be searching for the best Warrington has to offer in different categories and we’ve given out 11 awards for 2023.

The winners so far:

Best for Hair – Ashleigh Hair and Beauty

Best for Pies – Tomlins Bakery

Best for Nails – Bamboo Hair & Beauty

Best for Roast Dinner – Heaths Kitchen

Best for Cocktails – Dead Eyes

Best for Breakfast -Café Blu

Best for Fitness – Daniel Warburton

Best for Fish and Chips – Fish Net

Best for Tattoos – Danny’s Tattoo

Best for Pizza - Donatello

Best for Pets – Victoria Park Vets

Voting for Warrington’s Best for Dessert is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Beauty.

Next on the list was the search for Warrington’s Best Independent Shop or Business – to mark Independence Week and #ukindieday at the beginning of July – and The Phone Whisperer took the latest Best of 2023 crown.

The Phone Whisperer is on Knutsford Road in Latchford

Donny started the business seven years ago after working in his garage at home at weekends and each evening but it gradually outgrew the space.

He leased an office above The Railway pub for four years before moving to the current premises on Knutsford Road.

Donny said: “We moved during the Covid-19 pandemic so it was a big gamble but the location was perfect.

“I live in Latchford and my children go to school in the area.

“I’m originally from Runcorn but love the community feel of Latchford.

“My partner Jenny, who also works at The Phone Whisperer, is Warrington born and bred.”

Owner of The Phone Whisperer Donny Danks

At The Phone Whisperer, they buy, sell and repair electronics such as phones, iPads and games consoles.

Donny said: “Throughout the repairing or purchasing process, we offer assistance at all stages whether it’s recommending customers back up their phone, helping to set up children’s accounts of transferring data from an old phone to a new one – it’s all part of the service

“We also supply electronic devices to other repair shops in the UK from the Shetland Islands to Devon and Cornwall and everywhere in between.

“When buying devices, we always match the main comparison sites, and when it comes to faulty phones, we often exceed the trade in price and pay immediately with no fuss, so customers prefer to sell us their old devices.”

In Donny’s previous job he looked after telecoms for businesses, many in Warrington, and this inspired him to start his own business.

The Phone Whisperer The shop is a hive of activity

Donny said: “There have been a few of my customers that I used to manage, that now get their phones fixed by us!

“Technology and fixing things have always been my passion.

“It comes from helping friends and family with their phone issues and got to the point that in my last job where I was correcting mistakes made at repair shops.

“It was a bold decision to move away from paid employment but I felt there was a strong need in the area for quality phone repairs.”

He added: “We have never tried to fit the mould of a typical repair shop.

“Our shop has a very friendly, happy vibe and lots of people comment how they love coming in.

“We are open plan so repairs are done in front of customers, which gives people peace of mind.

“We also made sure we had a comfortable waiting area.

“It’s the little touches like that make a difference.

“If a customer comes in and their child is a bit, we can put a cartoon on while they wait, or people can just watch tv or listen to music.”

Excellent customer service is a high priority for the hard-working team

Donny and the team pride themselves on giving impartial advice which can sometimes lead to them turning business away but people appreciate the honesty and, in turn, recommend their services.

Last year, The Phone Whisperer was accepted into Apple’s IRP (independent repair provider) scheme, which means all technicians are Apple certified for repairs and they can order genuine products and parts.

Donny said: “We are the only shop in between Liverpool and Manchester that can complete repairs on Apple devices using genuine parts sourced from Apple itself.

“We are very proud of this achievement, as it took months and months of vetting to be accepted.”

So how did everyone at The Phone Whisperer feel when they found out they had made the final shortlist for our latest Best of 2023 award?

Donny said: “We were so proud to be in the same group as the other wonderful businesses.

“Warrington is a thriving area with so many great businesses.

“Just to be included and recognised amongst them was a huge honour so to win was a massive shock.

“We didn’t really think we would win as the calibre of the other shortlisted businesses was excellent.

“It’s great to see so many independent businesses getting recognition.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team - we have some real superstars here.

“Kirrin can fix pretty much anything and our newest employee Nick has a real passion for his role and has taken to repairs like a duck to water.”

There's room to relax while Donny and the team work their magic on your faulty phones

He added: “We are super grateful to all our customers and everyone that voted for us.

“We are so thankful that we have this support in the community.

“Thanks so much to everyone who took time out of their day to vote for us - it means the world.”

For more details go to facebook.com/Thephonewhisperer