Small businesses across Havering were in the spotlight last night to celebrate the winners of the fourth annual Havering Small Business Awards, held on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
The full list of Havering Small Business 2025 winners are:
- Best Newcomer, InkTree Education, supported by Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Best Small or Independent Business, May Residential Homes Ltd, sponsored by Lumiere Romford
- Best Beauty or Service Business, Utopia Beauty and Advanced Skincare, sponsored by The Havering Daily
- Best Takeaway, The Fat Pizza, Elm Park, sponsored by The Havering Daily
- Best Hospitality Business, The Hop Inn, sponsored by Hills Prospect
- Best Customer Experience, Serene Mind Ltd, sponsored by Oakleafe Claims
- Best Tradesperson, Nick’s Locks, sponsored by Marlborough
- Best Shopfront, The Picture Frame Gallery, sponsored by Sureserve Compliance South
- Best Social Enterprise or CIC, Thames Chase Community Forest, sponsored by CEME
- Best Sustainable Business, Quantum Group, sponsored by CEME
Finalists enjoyed a drinks reception, sponsored by Elm Site Services, before the awards ceremony where winners received a trophy, certificate, and a vinyl ‘winner’ sticker to proudly display at their business premises.
The ceremony took place at Lumiere Romford, Mercury Mall, Romford, and was hosted by Mark Dover from media sponsor Nation Radio London.
The awards were presented by representatives of our category sponsors.
The final award of the evening, Havering Small Business of the Year, given by Joe Arthur from main sponsor Wates Residential, was awarded to Nick’s Locks, having already won in the Best Tradesperson category, earlier in the evening.
As winner of Havering’s Small Business of the Year, Nick’s Locks also won a £25,000 advertising package courtesy of JC Decaux UK.
Nick said:
“I’m absolutely chuffed - honestly, a bit speechless.
“For years it’s just been me and my partner working hard through some really tough times, so to win not one but two awards tonight means the world.
“I want to thank all of our amazing customers for their support, and also my social media lead who’s helped us reach even more people. This recognition is something I’ll never forget.”
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
"These awards truly showcase the innovation, resilience, and community spirit of Havering’s small businesses and could not be achieved without the support of the public, businesses and all our sponsors.
“It is inspiring for all of us. Huge congratulations to all our nominees, finalists, and winners. You are the driving force behind our borough’s success.
"These awards are an example of this administration support for our businesses in Havering which also includes our Keep it Local campaign, ensuring local businesses benefit from contracts and investing in skills and helping them grow."
Joe Arthur, Head of Development from Wates Residential and main sponsor of the awards, added:
“Wates Residential is proud to be the key sponsor of this year’s Havering Small Business Awards. Our ongoing Joint Venture partnership with Havering Council, now in its seventh year, has given us a unique insight into the vibrant local community.
“We have really enjoyed being a part of the awards again this year - learning about the nominated businesses and the impressive number of nominations is testament to the breadth of business and talent of entrepreneurs in Havering.”