Seahaven Business Awards 2023

Newhaven Enterprise Centre were delighted to sponsor the award ‘Best New Business’, and celebrate our tenants Take Good Care for making the shortlist for the ‘Best Environmental Business’!

Held on Friday 12th May 2023, the Seahaven Business Awards 2023 was a star studded event, celebrating local businesses from Seahaven, Newhaven and Peacehaven and their remarkable achievements contributing to the local economy and community.

The winners of the each category received their award, and welcomed distinguished guests from MP’s to His Majesty the King’s representative, the Deputy Lieutenant for East Sussex, Mr. David Allam.

Also in attendance was the Newhaven Mayor Paul Boswell, Seaford Deputy Mayor Cllr Liz Boorman, and Peacehaven Mayor LucyJo Symonds, Deputy Chief of Mission Mrs. To Minh Thu from the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the UK and Ireland, Be Thi Ut Nguyen, First Secretary of the Embassy, MP Maria Caulfield, and all three Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce.

Host for the evening was John Young, whose expertise and flair as a past BBC news journalist made the evening all the more special with heartwarming impromptu interviews with some of our winners.

The sponsors and judges

The Seahaven Business Awards were supported by a number of local sponsors including Newhaven Enterprise Centre, who sponsored the ‘Best New Business’ award, with the categories judged by the two MPs, the Presidents of the Newhaven, Seaford, and Peacehaven’s Chamber of Commerce, and Graham Peters, Chairman of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone.

The awards recognised the exceptional local businesses and individuals that demonstrate resilience, innovation, commitment to their staff, and those who take great pride in being part of the community. The winners were presented with trophies made by goldsmith Mike Shorer, each weighing 4kg and made from solid aircraft-grade alloy, anodised gold, hand engraved, and hand enamelled.

The awards

Business of the Year

The most prestigious category, Business of the Year, sponsored by The Newhaven Enterprise Zone, recognised overall excellence in business performance, innovation, and community involvement. The winners were (and all from Seaford):

Ist – Inle Home

2nd – Whittfit Training

3rd – Seaford Town Market

President’s Award for Creative Enterprise

Sponsored by Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery, the President’s Award for Creative Enterprise celebrated businesses that excelled in creativity and innovation. The winners included:

1st – Julie’s Art of Noise

2nd – Got Buns Huns

3rd – (joint) Magpie Art UK and James Cox Music

Best New Business

The Best New Business category, sponsored by the Newhaven Enterprise Centre, recognised outstanding new companies that have made a significant impact in the local economy. The winners were:

1st – Pelham Barbers

2nd – Whittfit Training

3rd – Newleaf Camper Conversions

Best Environmental Business

Runner up: Barbara Rowe from Take Good Care!

We’re proud of our tenant from Newhaven Enterprise Centre, Barbara Rowe, owner and founder of Take Good Care, for coming in as runner up for the Best Environmental Business Award!

Sponsored by Fine Marketing, the Best Environmental Business category honoured companies that demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The winners included:

1st – Havens Food Cooperative

2nd – Take Good Care

3rd – Jeavons Toffee

Best Eatery

The Best Eatery category, sponsored by Experience It Now Travel, celebrated establishments offering exceptional dining experiences. The winners were:

1st – West Quay Cafe

2nd – The Viceroy

3rd – The Bengal Palace Restaurant

Business Person of the Year

Sponsored by Swindells Chartered Accountants, the Business Person of the Year category recognised exceptional individuals who made a significant impact on their businesses and the local community. The winners included:

1st – Yahya Al-Hattabi from the Yemeni Coffee House

2nd – Levente Novaki from La Maison Mobile Catering

3rd – Megan Turk of Got Buns Huns

Best Customer Service

The Best Customer Service category, sponsored by The Sussex Sign Company, honoured businesses that excelled in providing exceptional customer experiences. The winners were:

1st – Rachel Ayres of Seaford’s Secret Fairy’s Bookshop

2nd Kempton House Day Centre

3rd – (joint) CmdShiftR and CTLA

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