SBA 23-24 winners (Credit: Havering Council)
The event held at Havering Town Hall on Wednesday, 11 September aims to celebrate the innovation, resilience, and community spirit of local enterprises.
This year’s event marked a significant change in format, with businesses nominating themselves and the public casting votes to determine the finalists.
Over 8,400 votes were received, highlighting the community’s strong support for their local businesses.
The top three businesses in each category attended the event, hosted by Time 107.5 FM’s Mark Dover.
The winners are:
• Best Newcomer (less than a year old – operating since June 2023) , supported by Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry, winner: Jungle Hair and Beauty
• Best Small or Independent Business, sponsored by Oakleafe winner: Wags and Scruffs Dog Services
• Best Beauty or Service Business, sponsored by The Havering Daily, winner: The Hair Lounge
• Best Take Away sponsored by The Havering Daily, winner: Fat Pizza, Elm Park
• Best Hospitality Business, sponsored by Hills Prospect, winner: The Hop Inn
• Best Tradesperson , sponsored by Essex Services Group, winner: Paul Perfect Heating Ltd
• Best Customer Experience, sponsored by Oakleafe, winner: Maa Eyecare
• Best Shopfront, sponsored by K&T Heating, winner: Flower Perfections
• Best Social Enterprise or CIC, sponsored by Jax Sun Services, winner: Thames Chase Community Forest
• New for this year – Best Sustainable Business, sponsored by Havering Works, supported by HM Government, Mayor of London and Levelling Up Funding, winner: Folly London Millinery
The final award of the night, Havering’s Small Business of the Year, was selected from the category winners by the judging panel.
The winner this year was chosen based on their detailed award entry, which described their deep commitment to sustainability, the environment and social responsibility. It was awarded to our Best Sustainable Business Winner, Folly London Millinery.
The awards were run by the Council and supported by main sponsor Wates and media sponsor Time 107.5 FM.
Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon said: “The Havering Small Business Awards continue to be a highlight for the borough, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among the local business community.
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who demonstrate the dynamic and vibrant nature of Havering’s small business landscape.
“You truly represent the very best that Havering has to offer.”
Lynsey Beard from Folly London Millinery said: “Receiving this recognition means so much to me, both personally and professionally. Winning these awards feels like a validation of the hard work, dedication, and passion that I’ve poured into Folly London Millinery.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my efforts to promote sustainability in the fashion industry have resonated with others in the community. I’m deeply committed to creating luxurious, unique pieces while remaining mindful of our impact on the planet, and this acknowledgement reinforces that I’m on the right path.
“It’s also a humbling experience to be recognized among so many other wonderful businesses in Havering. To win not just the sustainability award, but also the overall business award, is beyond what I could have imagined. It fills me with gratitude and fuels my motivation to continue pushing boundaries in sustainable fashion.
“However, I also feel that there’s much more to be done. I hope that through receiving this award, I can help bring greater awareness to the importance of sustainability, not just in fashion but across all sectors.”
