And The Winners Are - Bexleyheath High Street Awards 2022 Announced
And The Winners Are - Bexleyheath High Street Awards 2022 Announced
Celebrating local business success in Bexleyheath High Street
The Bexleyheath High Street Awards took place last night (Tuesday 19 April 2022), with winners revealed and celebrated during a fabulous gala evening. Hosted at Signature | Dining by Pure, shortlisted nominees marked two years of immensely difficult trading, amid Covid restrictions and lockdowns.
Organised by Bexleyheath BID, the High Street Awards recognised local businesses that have operated at a time like no other and are now, hopefully, emerging out of the other side. Bexleyheath BID was supported in these awards by Bexley Council, European Regional Development Fund, and HM Government.
This year’s winners are…
Love Your Local Business
Winner - Harris's
Highly commended - The Kings Arms
Commended - Tom Bells
Best New Business
Winner - Mrs P's Hair
Highly commended - Signature | Dining by Pure
Commended - Flutterbyes
Best Established Business
Winner - Bell'Amore
Highly commended - Harris's
Commended - Wimpy
Commended - Tom Bells
Best Customer Service
Winner - Hays Travel
Highly commended - Mrs P’s Hair
Commended - Bell'Amore
Overcoming Adversity
Winner - The Kings Arms
Highly commended - Harris's
Commended - Flutterbyes
Business of The Year 2022
Winner - The Kings Arms
The awards may have culminated in the glittering ceremony, but the opportunity for companies and businesses to raise their brand profile began when the award submissions opened in February. As well as creating a buzz up and down the high street, the awards have been a focal point for ensuring that standards in and around Bexleyheath are as high as ever - evidenced by the tricky job that the judges had to decide the winners.
Moving forward from the awards, the shortlisted businesses are able to grow and strengthen their network of connections, including businesses that they have come to know through the event. It inspires good-natured competition, with businesses well aware that the biggest winner is Bexleyheath High Street.
Although the event had a focus on business and commerce, the Royal British Legion were delighted to raise £350 from their raffle during the evening.
Caron Linyard, Town Centre Manager of Bexleyheath BID said,
“Thank you to so many who have attended tonight and taken part in our first-ever High Street Awards. I hope you will agree it has been a fantastic night and I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the judges and for having such a challenge in choosing their winners. This is our first year of awards and we hope that it will become an annual event in our calendar. We believe that Bexleyheath is the best high street because it can count on so many brilliant people, stores, shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants, market stalls, travel agents, and hairdressers; the list goes on and on. The Bexleyheath BID is here to support you, promote you, protect you and celebrate with you. We look forward to continuing to work with you in 2022 and beyond.”
Peter Marshall, owner of the King’s Arms said,
“Being voted ‘Business of the Year’ for a high street that we love so much is an absolute honour. We, at the King’s Arms, consider it a privilege to celebrate with other local businesses as they deserve every bit of recognition at an event that’s so well deserved after the last two years. The fact that we are all still here is an achievement in itself. I am so proud of our team, proud of our high street and proud to be a part of such a special event. Well done to everyone involved; let's keep making Bexleyheath great for the wonderful people of Bexley!”
Rai Holdstock, Chairperson of Bexleyheath BID and Manager of Broadway Shopping Centre, said of the event,
“We have such a diverse gathering at the awards. Businesses of all shapes and sizes, some new and some not so new, with the common themes of hard work, tenacity and business passion binding you together. The last two years have been tough for everyone - not least the local business owner. We have supported one another and come together as a community. Bad times really can and do bring out the good in people. Your dedication and passion have shone through and tonight is all about celebrating that we are still here - after it all.”
About the Bexleyheath High Street Awards
The Bexleyheath High Street Awards is organised by Bexleyheath BID, with the additional support of Bexley Council, European Regional Development Fund, and HM Government. The event took place on Tuesday 19th April at Bexleyheath restaurant Signature | Dining by Pure which is a new addition to the high street. The gala evening celebration included the awards ceremony, live entertainment and an exclusive 3-course meal for finalists.
About Bexleyheath BID
Bexleyheath Business Partnership Ltd was set up by local businesses in 2011 as a Business Improvement District (BID). Business Improvement Districts are business-led organisations set up in defined areas by like-minded business people, who work together to positively improve their local trading environment.
Bexleyheath BID is an independent, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, governed and chaired by the Bexleyheath BID Board.
About the King’s Arms
Building the King’s Arms in 1839, local beer seller, Richard Markall, built the pub just a few yards away from his beer shop. Passionate about hosting great get-togethers for family and friends, good food and the perfect pint or glass of prosecco await guests. With entertainment every Friday and Saturday evening and weekly quiz nights, there’s something for everyone at the King’s Arms.
About Signature | Dining By Pure
Signature | Dining by Pure is a Bexleyheath fusion restaurant, offering a truly unique dining experience that takes the diner on a sensory journey, from East to West.
The team behind Signature comprises Dean Lee, owner and operator of Pure Lounge (located below Signature Dining) and Tony Adams, former world number one cocktail bartender.