This year marks the fourth year of the awards and the winner of the overall Havering small business of the year will receive an advertising package worth £25,000, courtesy of JC Decaux, to promote their business in Havering.
The awards format this year allows businesses to nominate themselves in one category they believe they deserve to win.
Members of the public can also nominate their favourite businesses.
The nomination period has been extended from five to six weeks, and only fully completed and verifiable votes will be counted.
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A business will progress to the second round of the awards if they are one of the top three to secure the most votes and then successfully clear a cross-check with council teams, including business rates, public protection, and environmental enforcement, to ensure they qualify.
When a Havering business enters or a member of the public votes for their favourite business, they will be asked to explain and provide evidence as to why they should be shortlisted for that award.
The three businesses with the highest number of individual public votes will then be invited to an awards evening in September 2025.
The other categories this year are: best small or independent business, best beauty or service business, best takeaway, best hospitality business, best tradesperson, best customer experience, best shopfront, best social enterprise or CIC, best newcomer and best sustainable business.
Nominations will close at 3pm on Friday, May 2 – to make a nomination, visit havering.gov.uk/smallbusinessawards.
Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said: “The Havering Small Business Awards are a timely reminder of how important it is to show our support for our businesses and to keep it local wherever possible.
“We want as many businesses as possible to nominate themselves this year and to encourage the public to also vote for their favourites.
“With your help, we’re hoping to make the awards even bigger and better this year.”
You can follow the Havering Small Business Awards 2025 on social media or by searching #HaveringSBA.
