Photo - Havant MP Alan Mak launches first Small Business Awards with students at South Downs College
Local MP Alan Mak has launched the area’s first ever Small Business Awards, and is asking local residents to nominate their favourite local businesses by 1 April.
The Portsmouth News are media partners for the local initiative.
Mak says small businesses across the Havant constituency are the backbone of our local economy, and his awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the very best local small businesses in 12 categories, including Best Pub, café, and restaurant.
Recognising the area’s entrepreneurial spirit and a rise in home-working there will also be awards for best Street Vendor, Best Home-based Business and best New Business. Two local residents will also be crowned Business Personality of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.
Residents should make their nominations using the online form on Alan’s website – www.AlanMak.org.uk by 1 April 2016.
Gary Medlow, Managing Director of property management business Fasset, which operates Langstone Technology Park will Co-Chair the panel of judges, alongside the Mayor of Havant, currently councillor Leah Turner.Having worked in his own family's small business on a busy high street, started his own small business, and invested in small businesses, Mak says knows how much hard work goes into making each small business successful.
Mak launched the Awards with students from the Enterprise Society at South Downs College in his constituency. Many of these students want to start or work in a small business, and Alan felt he should use the Awards launch to engage the next generation of small business owners.
Alan Mak MP said, “Our local small business are the backbone of our economy, providing vital services, creating jobs and strengthening our high streets and communities. My Small Business Awards are designed to celebrate and showcase he best local businesses, and I invite residents to send me their nominations. Let’s get behind our small shops, cafes, restaurants and tradesmen!”
Alec Dyer, Lecturer in Business at South Downs who supervises the Enterprise Society, said, “We're delighted Alan has launched the inaugural Havant Business Awards with South Downs Enterprise Society. Encouraging people to start and grow their own business is key to developing our local skills base and strengthening our economy. I hope residents will nominate the many successful small businesses locally for Alan's award.”
Dyer added, “Recognising the hard work and talents of local business owners is vital for the community, and inspiring for our students who are our future business owners and leaders.”
Patrick Stewart, aged 19, a South Downs student who has started his own social business, WeCycle, said, “Starting own my business has been a fantastic experience, and I know how much hard work our local business owners have put in. I encourage other young people to start their own business and support our local shops and high streets”.
Finalists and winners will be invited to an Awards ceremony at South Downs College in April 2015 where they will be presented with certificates and trophies. Paul Lindley, founder of Ella’s Kitchen, the award-winning baby food business, will be the guest speaker.