Havant MP Alan Mak has launched his revamped business awards with new categories and is calling on residents to nominate candidates.
Now called the Small Business and Community Awards, residents can now nominate people who have not only been successful in running small businesses but also people who do great work for the community, for example running a voluntary organisation.
It is the fourth year that Alan has organised the awards to recognise some of the hard-working business groups that operate in the Havant constituency. Last year Havant & Waterlooville FC beat hundreds of nominated businesses to be named as the overall winner.
Award categories include Best Independent Food Outlet, Outstanding Contribution to the Community, Best New Business, Best Apprentice, Best Community Group, Green Business of the Year, Local Charity of the Year, Best Local Tradesperson, Volunteer of the Year, Sports Group of the Year and Best Pub.
Alan said: “Every year I receive hundreds of nominations from residents from my awards, so this year I am delighted to expand the event to recognise some of our local heroes working tirelessly in the community.
"Whether it is your favourite café, restaurant or shop – or you want to recognise a community champion who has gone the extra mile – please send me your nominations online."
Alan started the awards as a way of recognising the constituency’s best loved local firms, having worked in his own family’s small business growing-up. He added that often these small businesses were an integral part of the community, bringing together and supporting community groups.
He added: “Backing our economy and celebrating the hard-work done by local business owners is a top priority for me as local MP. Our small businesses create jobs and generate wealth for our area, but they also give so much back to our area and I’m delighted to organise the Awards again for a third year to put them in the spotlight.”
All nominations must be for businesses within the Havant Parliamentary Constituency, which covers Havant Town, Emsworth, Hayling Island, Bedhampton, Langstone, Purbrook, Stakes, Widley and Leigh Park.
Everyone who nominates will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to the summer awards evening at South Downs College and House of Commons Champagne.
Visit AlanMak.org.uk/Nominate for more information and to nominate online.