Havering Business Awards 2016 by Havering Council

Havering Business Awards

PROUD ACHIEVEMENTS SUPPORTING HAVERING BUSINESSES

Meet the shining finalists hoping to win one of 13 prestigious Havering Business Awards at the glittering gala Awards ceremony taking place on Friday 7 October at CEME Conference Centre, Rainham

ceme conference centre

Thank you Award Sponsors

#hba2016 www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk

The Havering Business Awards 2016 32 of Havering’s finest businesses are competing for 13 prestigious awards at this year’s Havering Business Awards. Congratulations to all of the finalists and good luck at the Awards Ceremony that will he held on Friday 7 October at the impressive CEME Conference Centre in Rainham. In a slight change to the way we did things last year we won’t know the Business of the Year Award finalists until the night as they will be announced from among the 11 winners of the individual award categories. A second award, the Highly Commended Award, will also be decided on the night after the winners of all the categories have been announced. Once again I have been astounded by the achievements of our businesses and it makes me proud that there are so many successful businesses in our borough and that Havering Council has chosen to recognise that through the organisation of the Havering Business Awards. More than 300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and media representatives will be at the Gala Ceremony. It’s the ideal opportunity to bring key clients to a glittering evening of entertainment and celebration of the best of Havering’s businesses. The evening will be hosted by Time 107.5 FM’s Mark Dover and the night includes drinks on arrival, pre-dinner musical entertainment, a three course meal and partying until the early hours.

Cllr Roger Ramsey

Finally, my thanks to all of our sponsors and judges for their generous support of the Havering Business Awards 2016. Councillor Roger Ramsey Leader of Havering Council Tickets for the glittering awards night are £80 each • (plus VAT) and can be ordered at www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk

Keep December 8 at 5.30pm free in your diary for a • celebration event for all our award winners!

CEME Conference Centre – the venue for the glittering Awards night

Time 107.5 FM’s Mark Dover will be hosting the evening’s entertainment

Thank you Award Sponsors

Growing Business of the Year Havering This award isAwards for businesses that can show a growth in turnover and profit, and/or Business employees, products or services, over the last 12 months.

Finalists

Sponsor

Ardleigh Green Cleaning Supplies

Pinney Talfourd Solicitors

Stubbers Adventure Centre

Haines Watts

Ardleigh Green is a discount cleaning and janitorial products supplier based in Hornchurch. They’ve doubled their number of employees over the last year, grown their customer base by 19%, boosted their revenue by more than 13% and lifted their profits. Rebecca Johnson the firm’s Office and Marketing Manager said: “It’s been a very exciting and successful year for us. We’ve added a dedicated engineer and a delivery driver to our team.”

Upminster-based law firm Pinney Talfourd has enjoyed a year of significant growth. “Over the last 12 months we’ve recruited five extra lawyers, opened another office in Leigh-on-Sea, and our Brentwood branch have moved into a new office that is now up to the standard of our Upminster office,” said Victoria Bunn the firm’s Marketing Manager.

Stubbers Adventure Centre in Ockendon Road Upminster first opened in April 1996. Bob Edwards, Centre Manager said: “Stubbers Adventure Centre has grown steadily over the years and we now have over 51,000 visits each year by adventurers of all ages and our holiday activity days have increased by 39% over the last 12 months requiring an additional eight play leaders and instructors. We now have the widest range of adventure activities in the South East, and possibly the UK, and by providing additional activity areas we have increased our business capacity by 100 adventurers a day. The success of Stubbers has been assured by the commitment of its staff and by the wonderful support of the groups and families that enjoy the site. It would be a fitting end to this our 20th anniversary year if we were to win this award.”

Accountancy tax specialist and business advisors, Haines Watts are based in Hornchurch.

Keith Edwards, Company Director said: “Our business growth is simply down to listening to our customer’s needs, adapting ourselves to accommodate the customers’ needs, promoting products that do the job they are intended to do and ultimately saving customers money.”

The firm now employs 40 lawyers and a total of more than 70 staff. Philip Cockram, Managing Partner, added: “Although our firm has grown considerably over the years, we have always tried to maintain our personal approach and I am very proud of all that we have achieved so far on our journey.”

Mac Robertson, Managing Partner, said: “The awards are a great vehicle for recognising the businesses and owners who are achieving growth and contributing to the Borough and region. The huge diversity in type and size of business and the great people behind them, makes it a joy to be involved! “We are always impressed with the organisation of the event and the publicity around it is fantastic for both the entrants and sponsors. Being on the judging panel is a great experience – it provides an opportunity to hear the stories of business owners face-to-face and helps us to raise our profile within the business community.”

Employer of the Year

This award aims to celebrate organisations seeing the best return on an investment Havering in people. It recognises Business Awards the employee strategy that best attracts, retains and develops talent and how that strategy contributes to sustainable growth and becoming an employer of choice.

Finalists Mullis & Peake LLP Mullis & Peake is a leading independent law firm, providing legal advice to businesses and individuals. Established in 1902 as a family business, Mullis & Peake has been built on decades of close customer relations and is proud that generations of families continue to use their services. Their expert team adopts a proactive approach to law; meeting varied but specific requirements in a cost-effective way and enjoys a long-established reputation for reliable, high-quality legal services. They work together using their collective knowledge and experience as a firm to deliver a transparent, accessible service which is tailored to understand and meet the needs of their clients.

Sponsor Openview Security Solutions Ltd OpenView was incorporated in 1997 as Cartel Security providing full coverage for installation & maintenance of Electrical, Safety & Security Systems. The company has now grown by both acquisition and organic growth from a small company to a national company with five branch locations. Together with a direct workforce of over 200 personnel they continue to build on their hard earned reputation as the largest independent installation and maintenance contractor within the United Kingdom. Their growth and success is attributed to their investment in staff and close relationships with their clients. The business mantra within OpenView is one of “commitment to collaborative partnering”.

Valor Hospitality Europe Ltd Valor Hospitality Europe is a young, dynamic hotel management company based in Eastern Road, Romford. Founded in 2014 they operate a rapidly expanding portfolio of 19 hotels throughout the UK that feature high profile brands under franchise from Hilton, IHG and Marriott. Valor also have ambitious growth plans for the next five years. Valor’s goal is for guests to feel far better about themselves when they leave one of their properties than they did upon arrival.

Havering College of Further & Higher Education Tony Wittridge, Head of Commercial Enterprise & Marketing said: “The Employer of the Year award is a prestigious accolade that is awarded to an organisation that understands the significance of investment in people and acts accordingly. “Being part of the community is very important to Havering College. It is committed to making major contributions to both the people of the borough and its businesses and organisations. As a provider of education, the college appreciates the significance and impact of helping the businesses in Havering to grow and to develop.” “We know the importance of investing in people; we motivate, value and invest in staff, particularly in leadership and management.”

www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk

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Finalists

Sponsor

Inspired Health and Fitness

Purple Valentine Aesthetics Ltd

Sweetie Cake

SEGRO Plc

Pauline Ward runs Inspired Health & Fitness based in Hornchurch. She has more than 30 years of experience in the fitness industry but in recent years has twice suffered redundancy. “I was devastated the first time but I was ready for it the second time it happened” said Pauline. It was the spur that prompted her to take the big step of establishing her own business. “I spent 12 months taking a refresher course on teaching pilates and yoga and then took the plunge” she said. Her business is designed to offer pilates and yoga courses for people who find gyms scary or intimidating.

Purple Valentine Aesthetics is run by Natasha Britton and provides IPL hair removal, and advanced skin and beauty treatments. The business is based in the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford. “The Liberty is full of life with so many people walking through every day but no-one else offering what we do,” said Natasha.

Sweetie Cake is run by Kathy Arnold from her home in Gidea Park. Single mum Kathy began the business in 2010 when she wanted to do a job that would allow her to care for her two children and work from home. She had her garage converted into an industrial cake studio with all stainless steel fittings and began the business making bespoke cakes alongside her other work as a school chef.

SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust, and a leading owner, asset manager and developer of modern warehousing and light industrial property. It owns or manages 5.7 million square metres of space in £6.4 billion of assets and serves 1,200 customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located around major conurbations and at key transportation hubs across eight European countries.

“My sister encouraged me to set up the business,” said Kathy. “I love to do outrageous things with my cakes. Recently I’ve made cakes that have included lights and even steam for train enthusiast! I love experimenting with special effects which of course all have to be food safe. I’m hoping to grow the business by breaking into commercial work,” she added.

In 2015 SEGRO became partners with the Greater London Authority to develop 86 acres of GLA land and create 6,500 new jobs in London Riverside, East London. The partnership between the GLA and SEGRO is the largest deal of its kind between the public sector and a private land developer in the capital. SEGRO’s investment is expected to be approximately £180 million over the coming years.

Pauline is hoping her business will grow and her daughter is already helping out as more courses are arranged around the borough.

It was while she was on maternity leave with her third child that she decided on setting up her own business. “It was a big gamble and big step to leave a fulltime job but I don’t regret a thing,” said Natasha. Natasha says she’s passionate about beauty and called the business Purple Valentine after discussing the matter with her mum and deciding on a name that encapsulated that passion for beauty and a name that sets the business apart.

New Business of the Year Havering This award aims to acknowledge a new business that has achieved Business Awards significant success within its first two years of trading.

Finalists

Sponsor

AmisStar Vocal Studios

Heavenly Ladies Gym

Sunny Rain HouseKeepers

Chigwell Construction

AmisStar Vocal Studios aspires to become the musical heart of Romford, building self-confidence and helping people find their true voice.

Heavenly Ladies Gym is located in Harold Hill and is run by Maria Hayllar and her sister Karen. They wanted to develop a gym where women could exercise without the embarrassment of mixed classes, without being tied down by an expensive contract, and where they could have fun as well as getting fit.

Sunny Rain HouseKeepers are providers of a premier house cleaning service with exceptional customer care. Established in January 2016, they directly employ all their house cleaners, ensuring high cleaning standards are met during every clean.

Simon Baldock at Chigwell Construction said: “Chigwell Construction is celebrating our 20th anniversary this year so we thought it would be fitting to sponsor an award for businesses that are just starting out.

Through one-to one training community choirs and recording sessions their mission is to support and give their clients the tools to use their true voice and gain a creative outlet and create self-expression. They also offer the ultimate party experience for mini divas and mini rock stars with AmisStar PopStar Parties. They provide a place to record your favourite song, get a photo shoot and a music video to relive the moment again and again.

The gym opened in January 2015 and already employs 5 apprentices. A commercial steam room has already been added to the facilities as their clientele has grown. Keep fit classes have also been added in response to demand. Maria said: “I think the business is a success because customers know that everything that is done in the gym is done with the customer in mind.”

With no contracts or additional fees, they just offer simple pricing and smart service including their own cleaning materials, to save customers money. Sunny Rain HouseKeepers take care of their staff so they take care of clients, going above and beyond to ensure even the bits you can’t see are cleaned. Their staff are always uniformed, honest, reliable, friendly and DBS checked.

“I was delighted to represent Chigwell Construction as a judge of the “New Business of the Year” category. I spent a lovely day with my fellow judge visiting the three finalists and finding out all about their businesses and their plans for the future. They all shared an enormous amount of enthusiasm and knowledge of their business sectors which made deciding who the overall winner was a very hard task indeed.”

Apprentice of the Year Havering This award isAwards for an apprentice who has shown outstanding progress and Business

commitment to their personal development, and their progression on a recognised learning scheme.

Finalists Nancy Brincat, Doggie Delights Nancy Brincat is completing her Animal Care Level 2 apprenticeship, but she is also completing a private course to gain further skills within dog grooming. Kelly Murfett, the owner of Doggie Delights said: “Nancy has flourished working at Doggie Delights and is a keen apprentice, and member of staff. She shows enthusiasm and dedication to grooming and always wants to know more. Nancy has taken an interest in competing in grooming competitions against other groomers at her level. She loves what she does and has a genuine interest in the wellbeing of dogs. She has exceptional talent and work ethics which gives her the determination to truly excel.”

Sponsor Shaun Gibson, Harold Hill Barbers Shaun Gibson has completed his NVQ Level 2 in Barbering. Paul Mills, Director of Harold Hill Barbers said: “When Shaun first joined us he needed to practice on clients so he offered free cuts on a local community page on Facebook and he brought in enough customers that he was able to cut and shave over five people per day. “As Shaun grew in confidence he was able to have a small clientele under my guidance. Shaun takes his training very seriously as he knows funding is sparse for his age group so when people like his work it gives him goose bumps; to think his first haircut took four hours and he wanted to throw the clippers through the window!”

George Mark, Time 107.5 FM

Neopost UK Ltd

George Mark is completing his apprenticeship in Journalism as part of the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists). George loves radio and being on Time 107.5 FM.

Neopost Group is a leading global supplier of mailing and customer communication solutions. Neopost equipment and software helps organisations to manage sending and receiving mail, email, parcels and SMS.

George has a particular passion for sports, but is always interested in challenging himself to take on new roles and responsibilities; most recently presenting the travel news. Lorna Waters, Time 107.5 FM Station Manager said: ”George has a very positive attitude and he has built a good rapport with his colleagues and the listeners. George has become a valuable asset to the on-air team.”

Warren Tait, Neopost’s Customer Services Director who lives in Upminster, said: “Developing people is one of our key principles. I started my working life as an apprentice so I particularly appreciate how apprentices make a valuable contribution to our business during their training period with most adding value within their first few weeks. “For this category, I would expect entrants to show their commitment to getting the apprentices into the business doing real work that builds experience and skills. They should show a successful transition from apprenticeship to full time work.”

Business Person of the Year Havering To acknowledge a managing director, owner or manager who has achieved Business Awards significant success in his/her business during the past 12 months, showing strong leadership and business acumen.

Finalists

Sponsor

Laura Watkins, Babyballet Romford Central

Dan Evans, Evans Insurance Brokers

Bob Edwards, Stubbers Adventure Centre

Babyballet started in Romford in 2012. Laura Watkins, the owner of the Romford franchise, now runs courses across Havering. Babyballet classes teach the basics of ballet in a fun, imaginative way so children as young as six months old can begin to enjoy dance. Each class is jam-packed full of action songs, props and Babyballet bears.

Evans Insurance Brokers help business and property owners arrange comprehensive insurances for a competitive premium. Working closely with their clients from their offices in Romford and throughout the UK, they help clients ensure their cover continues to meet their needs throughout the year, whilst ensuring the cost remains competitive at renewal.

Stubbers is a private, not for profit company and registered charity. The centre was opened in April 1996 and aims to live out its motto of “Laying Foundations for Positive Futures” by providing quality adventure activity experiences and residential camps for schools and youth groups, as well. as local families and businesses.

All classes are taught in a noncompetitive way that praises each child on their own achievements.

Dan Evans said: “I feel fantastic. I started the business on my own four years ago and it’s been a steep learning curve. I’m very honoured and proud to have got this far and I’m looking forward to the Gala night in October.”

300 children come to classes on a weekly basis in Romford and children over 3 years old are invited to take part in their annual show.

NC Construction

Bob Edwards said: “Being shortlisted for the Havering Business Awards will raise awareness of the excellent work being done by the team at Stubbers. I see this honour as recognition of the work of many people over the last 20 years growing Stubbers into a great adventure activity facility for the local community.”

NC Construction, based in Hornchurch, began life in a home office in Elm Park in 2002 and has since grown into a large commercial business with a turnover of more the £6m. Owner Nick Coulson said: “NC Construction Services chose to sponsor the Business Person of the Year Award, because we think it’s very important that local business owners and managers are recognised for their hard work in contributing to the local economy and the business awards is a great platform for their efforts to be acknowledged.”

Laura said: ‘it’s very exciting to be a finalist and nice to be acknowledged for all your hard work, particularly if you’re self-employed.”

www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk

Innovation Award Havering This award aims to recognise the use of innovation in a business, or for the Business Awards production of an innovative product or service.

Finalists

Sponsor

AmisStar Vocal Studios

Kiss Chase Creations

The Quadrant

Coborn Engineering Co Ltd

AmisStar Vocal Studios aspires to become the musical heart of Romford, building self-confidence and helping people find their true voice.

Kiss Chase Creations is a family run business operating from home. Ite started five years ago with the concept of providing personalised wrapping paper and now their offerings include bespoke memory boxes, folders and books, canvas prints, banners and balloons.

The Quadrant is a stand-alone shopping centre situated in the heart of Romford which boasts a range of independent businesses.

John Innocent, Vice Chairman, Coborn Engineering Co Ltd said: “As one of the Judges on the Innovation award, I was privileged to have an interview with the three companies on the short list.

Through one-to one training, community choirs and recording sessions their mission is to support and give their clients the tools to use their true voice and gain a creative outlet and create self-expression. They also offer the ultimate party experience for mini divas and mini rock stars with AmisStar PopStar Parties. AmisStar Vocal Studios is a place to record your favourite song, get a photo shoot and a music video to relive the moment again and again.

A very popular product has been in providing Funeral Directors a personalised keepsake box for each funeral. This box is given for the family to store their flower cards, letters and condolence cards. The memory boxes have been well received and Kiss Chase Creations have been encouraged with interest from other Funeral Directors to provide a similar service.

Designed and built by William Goodchild between 1934 and 1935, The Quadrant is of classic Art Deco design, highlighting a period of Romford’s history in which the town was a significant shopping hub in the South East of England. Fast forward eighty years and The Quadrant is still going strong, implementing exciting schemes for start-up businesses, and retaining its support for independent retailers. Most recently it has partnered with Made Public to establish ‘Creative Quadrant’, a scheme that supports local creative businesses and artists.

All of them demonstrated, so clearly, their determined grasp on entrepreneurial fundamentals and innovative processes. With them all barely a day went by without some consideration of how opportunities could be built upon. Coborn Engineering believes that only by true innovation can the world move forward, and Britain retain its current important role. Britain has for many centuries demonstrated its ability to produce original thought, in all sectors of activities. The finalists are a wonderful example of what is possible. If their example was multiplied across the whole community, then Britain would become doubly successful.”

Excellent Customer Service Award

Havering This award aims to recognise those constantly striving to exceed customer Business Awards expectations, providing industry leading standards of service, and innovation around customer experience.

Finalists

Sponsor

Crafty Arts

Mullis & Peake LLP

NC Construction Services Ltd

Metro Security (GB) PLC

Crafty Arts has been a local art and crafts hobby shop for over 25 years.

Mullis & Peake is a leading independent law firm, providing legal advice to businesses and individuals. Established in 1902 as a family business, Mullis & Peake has been built on decades of close customer relations and is proud that generations of families continue to use their services.

NC Construction Services are based in Hornchurch after beginning life in a home office in Elm Park in 2002. They operate in the commercial sector and specialise in refurbishment projects in hospital, offices, schools and college campuses.

Nearing its 40th year in business, Romford-based Metro Security (GB) PLC specialises in installing, maintaining and monitoring security, fire and building management systems for both commercial and domestic customers. In recent years the company has expanded its expertise, developing systems serving the education market, forecourt fuel stations and the retail sector.

This small family run business has grown to be both shop and online based selling products worldwide. As the company has expanded, so has their collection, shop and creative hub training room. They continue to expand and improve their services with a dedicated team who are always ready to help, looking to the future, and encouraging people to be creative daily!

Mullis & Peake’s expert team adopts a proactive approach to law; meeting varied but specific requirements in a cost-effective way and enjoys a longestablished reputation for reliable, high-quality legal services. They work together using their collective knowledge and experience as a firm to deliver a transparent, accessible service which is tailored to understand and meet the needs of their clients.

Operating throughout the south of England the company has completed projects for major clients in the financial, commercial, leisure, health and food sectors. In recent years the company has completed projects at Wembley Hospital, Goldsmith’s University and the Soho Centre for Health

Managing Director Trevor Wallace said: ”As a local business we know just how important these awards have become over the past 11 years. That’s why we’ve sponsored this award again this year, to help play our part in recognising and rewarding the achievements of businesses based in the borough. “Customer care has been very important to our growth as a company since 1978.”

Corporate Social Responsibility Havering Excellence Award

Business Awards This award aims to recognise any Havering organisation that puts Social Responsibility at the heart of what they do.

Finalists

Sponsor

Hambro Roofing Ltd

Made Public

London City Airport

Hambro Roofing are specialist roofing contractors in flat, pitched, lead, and zinc. Established in 1978 by Steve Hammersley it is now managed by Steve’s son’s Jon and David Hammersley. Steve and his brother Lee are still heavily involved and between them they have grown the company over the last 5 years. With heavy investment in new premises, vehicles and training, they are on target for a £5m turnover.

Founded in 2012, Made Public is a Community Interest Company based in Romford, East London. It uses creativity to collaborate with our existing community, encouraging ownership and making our town feel great about itself.

London City Airport in London’s Royal Docks, East London, is the only airport actually situated in London and its location makes it one of the most convenient airports serving the capital city. The 10 commercial airlines which operate from the airport serve nearly 50 domestic, European and US destinations, with the most popular routes by passenger numbers including Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, Rotterdam and Dublin.

Hambro Roofing are members of many of major associations including NFRC, Competent Roofer, IMA, Safe Contractor, CHAS, Construction Line, SMAS, Mastic Asphalt Council, CITB, Trust Mark, Fair Trades, and Achilles. Over the last 3 years have gained recognition for our works winning various awards.

Made Public’s aim is to regenerate communities and stimulate economic development using cultural means. It delivers a vast body of work for public, private and commercial clients, whilst staying true to its mission of supporting, nurturing, assisting, empowering and working with those who create contemporary culture in and around East London.

During 2016 the airport has added several new destinations to its route map including Bergerac, Alicante, Berlin, Bremen, Cardiff, Paris Charles De Gaulle and Rennes. Construction will begin on the City Airport Development Programme in 2017, which will enable 6.5 million passengers to travel through the airport’s doors by 2025 and add 32,000 additional flights per year.

Made Public actively supports entrepreneurship and engages in collaborations with individuals and groups, providing advice, opportunities, socially-engaged projects, facilities and a peer network, amongst other benefits.

London Digital Innovation Award

Havering An award recognising the most innovative and forward thinking use of digital Business techniques inAwards the design, construction and operation of the built environment. This is the only award open to businesses based in any London borough.

Finalists

Sponsor

Respondit Web Design

Uber Plumbers Ltd

Respondit are a digital agency who specialise in Wordpress web development. They offer fully scoped web design, build and marketing solutions including search engine optimization, pay per click and social media campaigns.

Uber Plumbers based in East London with an office at CEME in Rainham provide plumbing and heating services throughout London.

They also produce high quality professional videos for businesses wishing to showcase their products, services or company biography to their customers. Respondit Wed Design serves a wide range of clients include local authorities, blue-chip, global and national brands and local SME businesses.

The business was started by two engineers looking to improve their industry through technology. Specifically they wanted to provide quotations online and avoid call out charges for cutomers. Uber (founded before the taxi company) wanted to change the stereotype of a typical plumber turning up and shaking his head as he works out how much a repair would cost. Uber live track their engineers so that customers aren’t kept waiting at home for the engineer to call. Now the company is looking to expand further and head into large scale electrical installations and a handyman service.

Havering College of Further & Higher Education

Romford Recorder

Since 2015 Havering College has adopted a digital first strategy. A new college website was launched in February 2016 and the College’s marketing team has employed its first web developer and a social media apprentice, both of whom are supported with a videographer. The digital strategy allows the Marketing team team to fully engage on multiple Facebook pages, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, YouTube videos and other emerging technologies like virtual reality headsets and tours across the college. Tony Wittridge, the College’s Head of Commercial Enterprise & Marketing said; “If there’s one mantra to digital, it’s, live where your customers live, reply in the medium they have asked the question in and embrace the new platforms.”

The Romford Recorder is at the heart of the community, striving to bring all the latest news, sport and what’s on information from Havering, online and in print. The Recorder campaigns for the people of Havering, promoting discussion and debate on how to make it a better place to live, and championing all that is good about this special part of the world we call home.

www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk

Retail Business of the Year

Havering This award focuses on retail businesses, both traditional and online, and highlights the businesses relationship with their customers. Entrants should show high levels Business Awards of customer care as well as an innovative or entrepreneurial approach to building their business.

Finalists

Sponsor

Crafty Arts

Marvling Bros Ltd

Pandora Images

Geraud Markets (UK) Limited

Crafty Arts has been a local art and crafts hobby shop for over 25 years.

Marvling Bros Ltd is a design-led gift company based in Gidea Park. It was started by two mums in 2013, producing beautifully designed unique gifts at an affordable price. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength, with Marvling Bros products being sold around the world.

Pandora Images is based in Romford, and has snapped hundreds of photos of friends and families at special events in the area.

Geraud UK Limited is the British arm of Groupe Geraud, Europe’s largest market operators. Established in 1998 and based in Liverpool, the firm runs over 1,300 regular market days each year and works in partnership with a number of local authorities.

Their work is a celebration of Britain and Britishness and all their products are designed and packed in the UK. Where possible Marvling Bros work with small independent businesses to create their range of products.

They endeavour to take images of times, places and moments that will keep their place on your mantelpiece and walls for years to come. Winner of the Havering Business Awards New Business of the Year 2015 Pandora Images is growing to become a local favourite for photography.

Geraud UK’s National Operations Manager and awards judge Matt Steele, said: “I was delighted at the quality and professionalism of all entrants. Having the opportunity to meet those involved, hearing how their business began and seeing the final progress is an inspiration to all those considering becoming selfemployed. “Geraud UK Ltd are delighted to sponsor this award and have the opportunity to work with some of the UK and Europe’s brightest entrepreneurial talent.”

Business of the Year Award

Highly Commended Award

This award is only open to Havering finalists in all the other Business Awards categories. Every finalist will be

This award is only open to Havering finalists in the other award Business Awards categories. Every award

considered for this award after the winners in the other categories have been chosen.

winner will be considered for this flagship award.

Sponsor

Serco

Time 107.5 FM

Serco has been delivering public services for more than 50 years. It has more than 100,000 employees working for governments and private companies in more than 30 countries.

Lorna Waters, Station Manager said: “This is Time 107.5 FM’s 3rd year of sponsoring at the awards but I have escaped judging this year by sponsoring the Business of the year Award because it’s an award chosen from winners of the other categories. Thankfully though I have still managed to meet most of the finalists when they have been in to our studios to record their free adverts.

Mark Fontaine, Serco’s Havering contract manager said; “In Havering we are responsible for providing refuse and recycling collections for residents. We feel that the Havering Business Awards are an excellent way to support growth in Havering businesses and are delighted to have the opportunity to be involved and help judge this category.”

Havering Business Awards #hba2016 www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk

‘I am excited to see so many new companies entering. It really is amazing how many great businesses there are in Havering, the awards are the perfect way to celebrate this and give praise for all the achievements people are making in the borough.”

Supporting Sponsors