The Hayling Ferry has scooped the top prize at a business awards evening organised by Havant MP Alan Mak.
The service, which is owned by Baker Trayte Marine, has over the last year transported 50,000 passengers from Hayling Island to Eastney, Portsmouth and beat hundreds of other nominations to the coveted prize at the Havant Small Business Awards 2017.
Businesses from across the Havant constituency were recognised at glitzy prize-giving ceremony hosted at South Downs College, with winners announced in 12 separate categories from Best Café, Takeaway and Pub to Best Family Business, Apprentice and Business Personality.
Meanwhile the award for Greatest Contribution to the Community also went to Hayling Ferry Skipper Colin Hill, who was recognised for the dedication and hard work he has put in during the last 12 months to get the ferry operating commercially.
Alan Mak MP said: “This year with so many excellent nominations deciding the winner was particularly difficult, but everyone agreed that the work done by Colin Hill, Baker Trayte Marine and the whole Hayling Ferry team really stood apart from the rest. Seeing the business grow over the last year has been fantastic, and I’m proud to continue my backing for them through my Awards.”
He added: “Across all the categories we had so many brilliant nominations from local residents. What’s clear from these awards is that across the Havant constituency we have so many thriving businesses, which are really appreciated by their customers. As we head towards Christmas, let’s keep backing our high streets and local businesses.”
Colin Hill said: “I am delighted to win and it was totally unexpected. Absolutely brilliant. It’s nice to be appreciated and recognised at an event like the Havant Small Business Awards.”
The guest speaker on the night was Will Butler-Adams, Managing Director of Brompton Bicycle, the famous fold-up bike company, who spoke about his work growing an iconic British brand.
Will Butler-Adams said: “The Havant Small Business Awards is an outstanding example of bringing a community together to be inspired by the best examples of entrepreneurial small businesses.”
Aside from the awards, a charity raffle helped to raise more than £500 amount for both the Southern Domestic Abuse Service and the Royal British Legion, two causes Alan has supported since he was first elected to Parliament.
Mike Gaston, Principal of Havant South Downs College, said: “Havant and South Downs College were once again delighted to support Alan Mak MP in the Havant Small Business Awards. The synergy between innovation and the Small Business Awards is something that the college is very keen to promote.”
Winner of the Business Personality of the Year award, Jacqui Unal from 19 Fourteas Tearoom, added: “Winning the award was completely unexpected and I’m overwhelmed. It was a fabulous evening and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Picture 1: Alan Mak MP with all of the winners
Picture 2: Alan Mak MP with Colin Hill and Will Butler-Adams
List of winners:
Best Takeaway
Winner - Timeout Café
Runner-up – Stoked Kitchen Wood Fired Catering
Runner-up – Deep Blue Chippy
Best Café
Winner – Boswells Café
Runner-up – Play Café
Runner-up – Pantry Café
Best Pub
Winner – The Lifeboat
Runner-up – Wheelwright Arms
Runner-up – The Royal Oak
Best Restaurant
Winner – Coastguard Café
Runner-up – Chili and Lime
Runner-up – Nicolinos
Best Health and Beauty Business
Winner - Kuru
Runner-up - Le Mane
Runner-up – The Chapel Medi Spa
Best Family Business
Winner - Treagust Butchers
Runner-up - L and P Carpets
Runner-up – CJ Meats
Best New Business
Winner - Astares
Runner-up - Selfies Salon
Runner-up - Pleasantly Plump
Best Local Tradesperson
Winner - Perfect Plumbing
Runner-up - B.C Flooring
Runner-up - Michael Dobson
Best Street Vendor or Home-Based Business
Winner – WagTimes
Runner-up – Innovation Fitness
Business Personality of the Year
Winner - Jacqui Unal (19 Fourteas Tearoom)
Runner-up – Emma Weatherstone
Runner-up - Philippa Oakley
Best Contribution to the Community
Winner – Colin Hill (Baker Trayte Marine/Hayling Ferry)
Runner-up – Colin Walker (WRUK Ltd)
Runner-up – Scott Ware
Best Apprentice
Winner - Abigail Gigg (The Chapel Medi Spa)
Runner-up - Beth Stephens (Smart Louvre)
Havant Small Business of the Year 2017
Winner - Baker Trayte Marine/Hayling Ferry