Havering businesses secure major backing for annual awards
Havering’s commercial landscape is set for a significant spotlight as local and national partners confirm their backing for the upcoming small business awards. The collaboration provides the borough’s independent sector with visibility and support through various specialized categories.
As Sponsors Unite for Havering Small Business Awards 2026, the borough prepares to showcase its most resilient enterprises. These partnerships fund the recognition of local success stories and maintain the awards as a central fixture in the regional business calendar.
Multi-sector support for local commerce
A diverse range of organizations has committed to sponsoring specific award categories, reflecting the variety of industries operating within the borough. These sponsors provide the framework for identifying excellence in sectors ranging from hospitality to social enterprise.
| Award Category | Supporting Organization |
|---|---|
| Best Newcomer | Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| Best Small or Independent Business | Romford BID |
| Best Tradesperson | Marlborough |
| Best Customer Experience | Kaani Kaana |
| Best Shopfront | Sureserve Compliance South |
| Best Hospitality Business | Hills Prospect LWC |
| Best Social Enterprise/CIC | Adecco |
| Media Partner | The Havering Daily |
| Official Venue | Lumiere Cinema |
High-value prize for borough winner
The top accolade, Havering Small Business of the Year, carries a substantial growth incentive. JCDecaux UK returns as the primary prize sponsor, offering an advertising prize package valued at £25,000 to the overall winner. The package scales the winning business’s profile across the entire borough using professional outdoor media channels.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Lumiere Cinema in Romford town centre, serving as the landmark setting for the final celebrations.
Next steps for nominated businesses
The initial nomination phase has concluded, and council services are currently verifying eligibility for all entries. A second round will open specifically for businesses nominated by members of the public that did not submit a first-round entry to ensure all local firms are judged fairly.
Eligible businesses will receive correspondence starting 26 May 2026. Following this contact, owners have a five-week window to complete their formal applications for the judging panel to review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Havering Small Business Awards and why are they significant for local owners?
The Havering Small Business Awards 2026 is a premier recognition program designed to celebrate the resilience and innovation of the borough’s independent sector. Backed by a coalition of local and national partners—including the Havering Chamber of Commerce and Romford BID—these awards provide small businesses with a high-profile platform to gain credibility, network with industry leaders, and showcase their contributions to the local economy across nine specialized categories.
How can my business participate in the Havering Small Business Awards 2026?
To participate, businesses must operate within the Havering borough and fall under specific categories such as Best Newcomer, Best Customer Experience, or Best Tradesperson. Business owners can typically self-nominate or be nominated by loyal customers. To ensure a strong entry, focus on demonstrating your unique value proposition and community impact. Keep an eye on the official council portal and Hiyastar.co.uk for the specific nomination window and criteria for each category.
What is included in the £25,000 advertising prize for the Havering Small Business of the Year?
The top prize, sponsored by JCDecaux UK, provides the overall winner with a professional outdoor advertising campaign valued at £25,000. Unlike traditional cash grants, this prize is a ‘growth catalyst’ that places the winning business on high-visibility digital screens and media channels across the entire borough. This level of exposure allows a local enterprise to achieve the same brand reach as national retailers, significantly boosting footfall and regional brand awareness.
When and where will the Havering Small Business Awards ceremony take place?
The final awards gala will be hosted at the Lumiere Cinema in Romford town centre. This landmark venue serves as the backdrop for announcing winners across all categories, including the prestigious Havering Small Business of the Year. Finalists and local stakeholders should monitor The Havering Daily (official media partner) or visit Hiyastar.co.uk for official date announcements, ticket availability, and the shortlist reveal.
Source: London Borough of Havering
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- 2026-05-05 19:59
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