The voting period for Havering’s Small Business Awards closed at 3pm today (Friday 2 May 2025).
This marks the end of an exciting phase where the community and businesses themselves have been able to nominate in this year’s awards.
With the public voting phase now ended, the focus shifts to the second round of the awards process.
This involves a cross-check with Council teams such as business rates, public protection and environmental enforcement teams, to make sure that the three businesses with the highest number of verified votes qualify for the final round.
Then we will contact the shortlisted businesses and ask them to tell us why they should win – we are looking for shortlisted businesses to provide evidence as to why they deserve the award.
Key dates
- 26 May 2025 - Announcement of finalists
- 27 June 2025 - Deadline for businesses to submit their explanation on why they should win
- 19 July 2025 - Judging panel convenes
- 24 September 2025 - Winners announced at the awards ceremony
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“We are once again so inspired by the community’s engagement in the awards and voting process.
"It truly reflects the support for local businesses and the recognition for their hard work.
“These awards are underpinned by our new Keep It Local campaign, aimed at encouraging residents to support local businesses and strengthen the borough's economy.
“We look forward to the next phase of the awards and are excited to see the impactful and inspiring contributions from our finalists.”
This year’s awards have been made possible due to the support of our main award sponsor and Havering’s 12 Estates Regeneration Joint Venture Partner, Wates, as well as our category sponsors and media sponsor TIME 107.5 FM.
This year’s winner of the overall Havering Small Business of the Year, will win an advertising prize to promote their business in Havering, valued at £25,000, courtesy of our prize sponsor, JCDecaux UK.