Entrepreneurial spirit has been praised and recognised within North East Lincolnshire’s small business community.
E-Factor, the business support organisation for northern Lincolnshire, has hosted the inaugural Great Big Small Awards in Grimsby.
It is dedicated to companies with fewer than 25 employees, recognising achievements within the community served.
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Managing director Mark Webb said: “Launching the Great Big Small awards was always going to be something special. E-Factor always bangs the drum for local business, for people who have decided to take a risk, set up on their own, create jobs and drive our economy forward.
"They are what business is about, they are the heart and soul of our business community, and these awards gave them a chance to be recognised for that and to celebrate their achievements.
“The quality of the awards was so high, and all the judges remarked on how difficult it had been to select finalists and winners. What stood out for me on the night was how supportive of each other everyone was. The last finalist was applauded as loudly as the first, it was so uplifting to be part of that.”
A dozen awards were presented, with watersports provider Ebb and Flow named business of the year.
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Owner Toni Buckle Weaver said: “It was an incredible way to celebrate the best of our small business community. To say I’m proud to be a part of it is an understatement. I’m so grateful for all the recognition, belief, support, and general cheering along of everyone who attended.
“To be awarded best business of 2021, get a standing ovation with the loudest cheers I’ve ever heard was a surreal and very emotional moment I will never forget.”
Chris Carr, joint managing director of Carr & Carr Builders, became the first recipient of The Great Grimsby Award for the outstanding contribution he has made to the area in various national construction industry roles, often having the ear of government.
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“The Great Grimsby Achievement award I received is a huge honour, which I am very proud of, although it was totally unexpected, and I feel very humbled to have been recognised,” he said.
Other winners were Francesca Young Art, Zebedee Any Angle, Valkyrie Wilderness Workshops, Orchard Barn Lifestyle, Riverhead Coffee, PPS, Ascent Bath & Body, Early Years Educare, Masala Masters, Beast Burger and Premier Seafoods.
Held at Grimsby Town Hall, awards were open to businesses with 25 or less employees. Attention moves to Scunthorpe in February, with the North Lincolnshire leg.
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