Photo – Alan Mak MP with staff at Lewmar with newly-produced trophies for the Small Business Awards
Havant MP Alan Mak has visited Havant-based marine designers and manufacturers Lewmar, as the countdown to the inaugural Havant Small Business Awards enters its final week. Lewmar are producing the trophies for the Awards, which will see 31 of the brightest local businesses and entrepreneurs compete across twelve categories.
Mr Mak praised the successful local exporter for their own success, as well their commitment to supporting small businesses around Havant through their Awards sponsorship. Lewmar are producing nearly forty bespoke trophies for the ceremony which is being held at South Downs College on Friday 29th April. The News is the media partner for the Awards.
Founded in 1946, the Havant-based firm are world-leaders in the manufacture of marine leisure equipment – producing everything from anchors to rigging, and hardware to steering. They export their products to markets around the world and are seen as one of the British maritime industry’s real success stories.
They are large employers in the Havant region, and have been strong supporters of local MP Alan Mak’s community projects - such as the first-ever Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair in February, and the upcoming Havant Small Business Awards.
Hundreds of nominations were cast by residents for local businesses ranging from Indian takeaways to beauty spas. The finalists, each of whom will be presented with a Lewmar-made award by Guest Speaker Paul Lindley of Ella’s Kitchen, were then narrowed down by a judging panel made up of prominent local business and community leaders.
Following his visit to the Lewmar offices, Alan Mak said: “I was delighted to visit local manufacturer Lewmar to see the trophies for my Havant Small Business Awards being made. Lewmar’s support has been outstanding.”
The Havant MP added: “It’s fantastic that a successful local employer such as Lewmar, who export their high-end products across the globe, still retain an active interest in the Havant business community. This community spirit is what the Havant Small Business Awards are all about.”
Peter Tierney, CEO and Chairman at Lewmar, commented: “We’re excited to be supporting Alan’s Havant Small Business Awards. There is so much local business talent and enterprising spirit and we should certainly celebrate that.”
Mr Tierney added: “We hope that these trophies are something that the winners and finalists can be proud to display, and that this first Awards are the start of many more to come. We look forward to the ceremony and best of luck to all those in the running.”