Bexley’s business resilience and employers’ and entrepreneurs’ dedication in continuing to deliver for their customers and community has been celebrated at an awards ceremony, held virtually last night (18 November).

More than 220 guests logged in to their computers, tablets and phones for the 2020 edition of the Bexley Business Excellence Awards – which was being held virtually for the first time.

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The awards evening this year saw 12 categories decided, as well as the Bexley Business of the Year Award, which was picked up by The Elephant Pub & Restaurant.

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Buddhika Hemachandra, Director of The Elephant Pub & Restaurant, said: “We are speechless! We didn’t expect it at all.

“This award win will help us to take our business to the next level and promote The Elephant more to help attract new customers.  We’re already thinking about exciting plans for next year and are looking forward to welcoming customers back safely in the restaurant when we can.

 

“This is a dream come true. Thank you so much – it means a lot to us!”

 

A total of 126 entries were submitted for the awards from 73 businesses, highlighting the borough’s resilience in a year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Stephen Hammond, General Manager at Ocado CFC Erith, said: “Congratulations to the Bexley Business Excellence Awards winners!

“We’re delighted to have once again sponsored the awards, and play our part in highlighting the borough’s business community, which has shown, evidenced by the calibre of finalists and winners, so much resilience this year.

“The recognition everyone has rightly received this evening for the work they’ve done to support their communities while also adapting and ensuring their business is something they should all be proud of.”

 

The awards ceremony, hosted by award-winning broadcaster Fayon Dixon also featured a virtual magic show provided by Kane and Able, wowing those watching at home.

 

Councillor Louie French, London Borough of Bexley’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth said: “It was a pleasure to support the Bexley Business Excellence Awards and join our brilliant businesses in celebrating their achievements.

“It’s been an extraordinary year – well done to everyone for their hard work and accomplishments.”

 

The Awards programme is sponsored by Ocado, Event Partners London Borough of Bexley and Bexley for Business, Aitch Group, Bellway Homes, Bexleyheath BID, Crayford Greyhound Track, Learning & Enterprise College Bexley, London South East Colleges, Orbit and supported by Insight 6, Maid on a Mission, Mobile Bar Hire, Northgate Public Services, The Engine House.

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The 2020 Bexley Business Excellence Award Winners:

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Business of the Year, sponsored by Ocado

Winner – The Elephant Pub & Restaurant

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Best New Business, sponsored by Bellway Homes

• Winner – Phonics Stars Bexley and Greenwich

• Highly Commended – Ragleys

• Commended – Mrs P’s Hair

 

Food & Beverage Award, sponsored by Crayford Greyhound Track

• Winner – The Elephant Pub & Restaurant

• Highly Commended – Hazine

• Commended – Melucci’s Italian Deli

 

Contribution to the Community, sponsored by Orbit

• Winner – CC Community Events

• Highly Commended – All the Arts Theatre School

• Commended – Sports 4 Tots

• Commended – The Bolthole Micropub

 

Business Entrepreneur of the Year

• Winner – Rebecca Cox, Maid on a Mission

• Highly Commended – Sarah Canavan, Lingotot Bexley

• Commended – Kristina Shepherd, 27 Two 6 Beauty

 

Best Business for Digital, Data & Technology

• Winner – Plan It UK

• Highly Commended – Plum Innovations

• Commended – The Creation Lab

 

Best Employer

• Winner – NSM Sidcup

• Highly Commended – Crayford Greyhound Track

• Commended – JD Services HVAC

 

Love Your Local Business, sponsored by Bexleyheath BID

• Winner – Salon S.O.S

• Highly Commended – Meat in Place

• Commended – Tickets Travel

 

Business Commitment to Education & Skills, sponsored by Learning & Enterprise College Bexley

• Winner – Erith Contractors

• Highly Commended – Playle & Partners

• Commended –Monkey Puzzle Bexleyheath and Welling

 

Commitment to Customer Service

• Winner – The Elephant Pubs & Restaurants

• Highly Commended – Braundton Consulting

• Commended – The BBQ Barn

• Commended – i-sells.co.uk

 

Best SME, sponsored by London South East Colleges

• Winner – Salon S.O.S

• Highly Commended – Maid on a Mission

• Commended – Acorn to Oak Business Finance

 

Made in Bexley

• Winner – Dartford Composites

• Highly Commended – Old Bexley Soap Co.

• Commended – Magenta Flowers

• Commended – The Creation Lab

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Best Charity or Social Enterprise

• Winner – The Exchange Erith

• Highly Commended – Bexley Voluntary Service Council

• Commended – CC Community Events