Havering entrepreneurs set for £25,000 advertising boost
Havering’s local economy is receiving a significant lift as a coalition of regional and national brands confirms support for the upcoming Small Business Awards. This initiative provides a high-profile platform for independent traders and startups to scale their operations through professional recognition and substantial marketing investment.
Major brands back Havering business growth
The 2026 awards cycle features a diverse range of sponsors targeting specific sectors of the local economy. Romford BID is championing independent retailers, while Marlborough is supporting the trades sector. The involvement of these organizations ensures that the borough’s unique business landscape—from hospitality to social enterprises—is represented.
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* Top Prize: A £25,000 advertising package provided by JCDecaux UK.
* Venue: The landmark Lumiere Cinema in Romford town centre.
* Media Partner: The Havering Daily will provide localized coverage of success stories.
* Next Phase: Eligibility checks are currently underway for initial nominees.
£25,000 advertising prize for top local firm
The most significant incentive for participants is the Havering Small Business of the Year Award. JCDecaux UK has contributed to the major backing of the event, committing an advertising prize package valued at up to £25,000. This resource allows the winning business to utilize professional outdoor advertising networks to grow their profile across the borough, a level of exposure typically reserved for national corporations.
| Category | Lead Sponsor |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Timeline for public nominations and applications
The nomination process is transitioning into its second phase. Following the initial closure of entries, council services are verifying eligibility criteria. To ensure the process remains equitable, a second round will specifically target businesses nominated by the public that did not submit a self-entry in the first round.
Organizers will begin contacting these businesses from 26 May. Once contacted, business owners will have a five-week window to complete their formal applications for judging. This structured approach ensures that even the smallest “word-of-mouth” businesses have the opportunity to compete for the top honors and the associated prize packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Havering Small Business Awards and why are they significant for 2026?
The Havering Small Business Awards are a strategic growth initiative designed to elevate independent traders to a professional corporate standard. Unlike standard local certificates, this 2026 cycle is backed by national powerhouses like JCDecaux UK and Marlborough, providing small businesses with the level of institutional support and high-budget marketing exposure usually reserved for global brands.
How can my business qualify for the £25,000 advertising prize?
To be eligible for the Havering Small Business of the Year top prize, businesses must first be nominated in one of the specific categories, such as ‘Best Newcomer’ or ‘Best Hospitality Business.’ Currently, organizers are conducting eligibility checks on initial nominees. To ensure your business is ready for the next public phase, ensure you have a physical presence in the borough and can demonstrate a commitment to customer experience or social impact.
What is the real-world impact of winning the JCDecaux advertising package?
Winning the £25,000 package is a game-changer for local scaling. It grants the winner access to professional outdoor advertising networks (OOH), placing your brand on high-traffic digital screens and billboards across the borough. This significantly increases local footfall, builds ‘big brand’ trust among residents, and provides a marketing reach that most independent startups could not afford independently.
When will the winners be announced and where can I find the official shortlist?
The awards will culminate in a high-profile ceremony at the Lumiere Cinema in Romford. As eligibility checks are currently underway, the official shortlist of finalists is expected to be released shortly. You can track the progress of your favorite local shops and find official nomination updates through The Havering Daily or by monitoring the latest business bulletins on hiyastar.co.uk.
Source: London Borough of Havering
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