An independent cinema in a North East seaside town has been named the best small business in the 海角视频.
Whitley Bay’s Jam Jar Cinema has triumphed at the 2020 Small Awards, winning the top prize at the prestirgious event which shines a light on small firms across a raft of sectors.
The win comes seven years after the neighbourhood cinema was first launched by film buff founders Dan Ellis, Stephen Fairly and William Smith, who used self-confessed “hustles” and a range of cost-saving tricks to open the venue in a derelict building on Whitley Bay’s Park Avenue.
It marked its opening with a screening of Gladiator that was attended by just 19 people.
Since then, its popularity has led to the cinema expanding into a neighbouring property, adding two screens.
The cinema is looking to re-open next Friday after being closed for several months during the coronavirus outbreak, with measures put in place to ensure social distancing.
It will also be launching a new streaming platform for film fans who prefer to stay at home.
Jam Jar Cinema beat a host of other small businesses from across the 海角视频 at the Small Awards. As well as being named Small Business of the Year, it also won the Heart of Gold award for its contribution to the community.
Most Read
Earlier this year it also won the Heart of the Community award at the Northumberland and Tyneside Business Awards.
Mr Ellis said: “We’re overjoyed to be this year’s Small Business of the Year. Jam Jar Cinema was started nine years ago on the back of a napkin, and we’re now a fully accessible cinema with a range of films, at the heart of the town.
“Things are undoubtedly really tough for all small businesses right now, but we are positive and determined to come back stronger. Small businesses are the soul of communities and the secret to helping them thrive.”
The Small Awards are organised by Small Business Britain and aim to shine a spotlight on small businesses that other awards forget.
Michelle Ovens, founder of The Small Awards and Small Business Britain said: “Congratulations to Jam Jar Cinema for winning our Small Business of the Year This is hugely deserved and recognises its amazing contribution to the local community and the 海角视频’s small business sector.
“Places like Jam Jar mean so much to their customers and staff and are truly at the heart of communities. The Small Awards is all about throwing a spotlight on their success, particularly in these challenging times.”
The winners of this year’s Small Awards were announced at a virtual event, with the traditional gala dinner being cancelled due to the pandemic.
Other winners included Cheshire cookery school My Curry Club, Scottish sustainable cycling tour business A Wee Pedal, children’s book subscription service Little Box of Books and Bristol copywriting company Rin-Hamburgh.