Exciting time for award finalists

The finalists for this year’s prestigious Havering Business awards have been announced.

They will be joining more than 300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and media representatives at the Gala Awards ceremony to be held at the CEME Conference Centre on Friday 7 October.

Finalists have been unveiled in 11 of the 13 award categories. The Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Time 107.5 FM, is only announced on the night, along with the Highly Commended Award, sponsored by Serco, which is only open to the finalists in the 11 award categories.

Whilst it can be a particularly nerve-wracking time waiting for the results, three individuals are excitedly preparing for the Gala Awards ceremony. Laura Williams the franchise owner of babyballet in Romford, Dan Evans the Managing Director of Evans Insurance Brokers in Western Road Romford, and Bob Edwards the Centre Manager at Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminster, have been nominated to win the Business Person of the Year award, a category sponsored by NC Construction Services Ltd.

Laura’s husband, John, said: “I’m very proud of her. She’s been able to achieve what she wanted with babyballet and she loves her work – but she’s always looking to achieve more!”

Laura Watkins

Dan Evans said: “I feel fantastic. I started the business on my own four years ago and it’s been a steep learning curve. I’m very honoured and proud to have got this far and I’m looking forward to the Gala night in October.”

Dan Evans

Bob Edwards said: “Being shortlisted for the Havering Business will raise awareness of the excellent work being done by the team at Stubbers. I see this honour as recognition of the work of many people over the last 20 years growing Stubbers into a great adventure activity facility for the local community.”

Bob Edwards

Commenting on the category finalists Cllr Osman Dervish, Havering Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for economic development said: “We are so proud of all our finalists who have shown great enthusiasm for their business and the local area.  Havering has a thriving local business community and these finalists have demonstrated their determination to grow their businesses, which is great news for our local economy. We wish them all the best of luck and look forward to seeing them at our glittering awards ceremony.”