📌 Key Highlights
- Grand Prize: £25,000 advertising package provided by JCDecaux UK.
- Venue: The final ceremony takes place at the Lumiere Cinema in Romford.
- Next Phase: Second round of applications opens on 26 May.
- Media Partner: Local coverage provided by The Havering Daily.
The local economy receives a significant boost as a coalition of regional partners confirms support for the upcoming Havering Small Business Awards. This initiative identifies and promotes the diverse commercial landscape across the borough, ranging from independent shops to specialized trade services.
Sponsorship Categories and Local Partners
A variety of organizations have committed to specific award categories, ensuring that different sectors of the Havering business community receive targeted recognition. These sponsors provide the infrastructure necessary to maintain the awards as a staple of the local corporate calendar.
| Award Category | Official Sponsor |
|---|---|
| Best Newcomer | Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| Best Small or Independent Business | Romford BID |
| Best Tradesperson | Marlborough |
| Best Customer Experience | Kaani Kaana |
| Best Shopfront | Sureserve Compliance South |
| Best Hospitality Business | Hills Prospect LWC |
| Best Social Enterprise/CIC | Adecco |
| Overall Business of the Year | JCDecaux UK |
| Official Venue Partner | Lumiere Cinema |
The £25,000 Advertising Grand Prize
The most significant individual incentive is the Small Business of the Year Award. The winner, determined by a panel of judges, will receive an advertising prize package valued at up to £25,000. This package, delivered by JCDecaux UK, is designed to scale a local brand’s profile through high-visibility outdoor media across the borough.
Timeline for Second Round Applications
While the initial nomination period has concluded, the selection process remains ongoing. Council services are currently conducting eligibility checks on all first-round entries.
To ensure a fair playing field, a second application window opens on 26 May. This phase is specifically for businesses nominated by members of the public who did not submit an entry during the first round. The council will contact these businesses directly, providing a five-week window to complete their formal applications for judging. Finalists will eventually gather at the Lumiere Cinema in Romford town centre for the official celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Havering Small Business Awards and what is the top prize?
The Havering Small Business Awards are a prestigious annual competition designed to celebrate the borough’s diverse commercial sector, from independent tradespeople to social enterprises. The most coveted incentive is the Business of the Year title, which comes with a £25,000 outdoor advertising package provided by JCDecaux UK. This prize is specifically designed to help a local brand achieve massive scale through high-visibility media placements across the region.
How do I enter my business for the second round of applications?
To participate, you must prepare your submission for the second application window, which officially opens on 26 May. Ensure your business is registered within the Havering borough and identify which of the nine categories—such as Best Newcomer, Best Hospitality, or Best Shopfront—best fits your operations. Keep your business records and ‘customer success stories’ ready, as council services will conduct eligibility checks before moving entries to the judging phase.
What real-world impact does the £25,000 JCDecaux package have on a local brand?
Winning this package provides a level of market penetration usually reserved for national corporations. A £25,000 investment in outdoor media typically covers high-impact digital billboards and physical signage in high-traffic areas throughout Havering. For a small business, this means a significant surge in brand recognition, increased footfall, and the ability to dominate the local visual landscape for the duration of the campaign.
What are the next steps for businesses that make the shortlist?
Once the second round of applications is processed and eligibility is confirmed, a panel of judges will select the finalists. Shortlisted businesses will be invited to the grand final ceremony held at the Lumiere Cinema in Romford. To stay updated on the shortlist announcement, businesses should monitor official communications from the Havering Chamber of Commerce or their media partner, The Havering Daily.
Source: London Borough of Havering
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