Time to celebrate the brilliant local businesses of Lewisham

The Mayor of Lewisham is set to celebrate the borough’s brilliant local businesses, which have supported the community during the pandemic and are leading the borough’s economic recovery from Covid-19.

Following an incredibly tough 18 months, this is Lewisham’s chance to say a big ‘thank you’ to the independent businesses making a difference, and to recognise all those going out of their way to support their community.

Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, said: “The last 18 months has been devastating for local businesses, but the way many of them have adapted and innovated has been inspiring.

“It’s also been amazing to see how many of them have given back and found ways to support the community, despite going through such challenging times themselves.
“As we take our next steps as a borough, our vibrant high streets and diverse businesses will play a crucial role in our Future Lewisham plans by rebuilding our local economy and creating more opportunities for local people.

“We’ve been running our Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign to shine a light on the brilliant businesses we’re lucky enough to have on our doorstep, and this year’s Mayor’s Business Awards are an opportunity to go a step further and recognise the very best our borough has to offer – so I’d encourage everyone to get involved and get nominating.”

Businesses have until September 19, 2021 to either nominate themselves for awards, or be entered by their customers, suppliers or partners in as many of the six categories as are applicable:

• Growth Builder
• Best Cultural, Creative or Night Time Economy Business
• Social Value Award
• Innovation and Resilience
• Community Space
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year

These categories acknowledge the strength, determination and creativity shown by local businesses throughout the pandemic, as well as the part they are now playing in boosting the borough’s economic recovery.

Cllr Kim Powell, cabinet member for business and community wealth building, said: “When we talk about businesses, we need to remember there are people behind them.

“People who have come together to serve and deliver solutions to communities in which they are often rooted.

“These awards are about celebrating our entrepreneurs, their achievements and their ongoing commitment to those around them and the wider borough.

“They are also a celebration of community and I’d encourage everyone to nominate their favourite locals.”

Winners from previous years offer a snapshot of the diversity of businesses within the borough.

They include zero-waste Shop Without Packaging, social enterprise Ignition Brewery, community hub Catford Mews, Cummin Up Caribbean Restaurants and produc-
tion company Video Fusion.

Sponsors for the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2021 include the South London Press, Hatcham House, the Federation of Small Businesses, Lewisham Local, the South East London Chamber of Commerce, Sasson and Co, PTP Coaching, MTA Digital, and Light Motif.

The awards are open for entries via the Lewisham council website. For more information on the categories and to enter, please visit lewisham.gov.uk/businessawards
Nominations close on September 19, 2021 and the winners are to be revealed on November 10. The judging panel will be announced shortly.

This year’s sponsors

South London Press: The recently combined South London Press, London Weekly News and Mercury has championed Londoners since 1865, giving a strong voice to diverse and vibrant communities. www.londonnewsonline.co.uk

Sasson & Co Accountancy: Tech savvy chartered accountancy firm which helps established business owners improve their decision making and management processes to ultimately increase profits and free them up to do the things they enjoy. www.sassonaccountants.co.uk

Hatcham House: A community enterprise which provides affordable workspace to local people in the New Cross area of the borough. The organisation also runs employability training, and supports young people in finding work and establishing their business www.hatchamhouse.com

South East London Chamber of Commerce: The South East London Chamber of Commerce is the representative body for local businesses, ensuring that South-east London continues to thrive as a prosperous and connected community. Working to build relationships and networks, it helps firms of all sizes to achieve more.
www.selondonchamber.org/

PTP Coaching: PTP Coaching is a family run company with a social enterprise ethos at its heart. Founded by Pia and Thomas in 2017, it operates a lake in South-east London’s largest open green space, Beckenham Place Park. www.ptpcoaching.co.uk

Federation of Small Businesses: Its mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. Established 45 years ago, FSB is the UK’s largest grassroots business campaigning group, which ensures the voice of small businesses is heard at the highest level across the UK, as well as providing business services and products to its members. www.fsb.org.uk/

Lewisham Local: The Lewisham Local Card is an initiative of Rushey Green Time Bank. The scheme is designed to recognise the invaluable contribution volunteers and community activists make towards improving our communities. www.lewishamlocal.com/

MTA Digital: A digital and web print company working from packaging to publishing, direct mail to displays. Bringing colour and meaning to all matter of industries including education, food and drink and construction. MTA Digital | Adding colour to your vision www.mtadigital.co.uk

Light Motif: A London-based event production company, offering bespoke, creative and technical solutions for a wide range of clients. Light Motif | Event Production & Design www.lightmotif.co.uk/

Pictured top: RC Hair Solutions – Best Hair and Beauty winners from 2020