The achievements of Barking and Dagenham businesses were celebrated at an awards ceremony.

The Post was among the sponsors of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, held on Thursday night (July 21) for the first time since 2019.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Care Optics director and owner Parag Joshi (centre) with the business of the year award, which was presented by Dame Margaret HodgeCare Optics director and owner Parag Joshi (centre) with the business of the year award, which was presented by Dame Margaret Hodge (Image: bbritain)

The evening saw Care Optics, an optician with branches in Dagenham and Woodford, take home the business of the year award.

Director and owner Parag Joshi said: "I really do not know what to say. A really big thank you to everybody for supporting us."

Barking and Dagenham Post: Post chief reporter Michael Cox (left) presented the home grown talent award to PartyBox's Donna PikePost chief reporter Michael Cox (left) presented the home grown talent award to PartyBox's Donna Pike (Image: bbritain)

The business was the night's biggest winner, also being awarded employer of the year and training, development and supporting education accolades.

"We have all been through a really tough two years," Parag told the audience at Dagenham & Redbridge FC.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Dagenham & Redbridge FC managing director Steve Thompson with the club's Jubilee AwardDagenham & Redbridge FC managing director Steve Thompson with the club's Jubilee Award (Image: bbritain)

"We survived so let's all be grateful and celebrate."

The Post sponsored the home grown talent award, recognising businesses that have contributed to the borough in their lifespan.

Barking and Dagenham Post: The Baby Bank HQ was among the evening's winnersThe Baby Bank HQ was among the evening's winners (Image: bbritain)

The accolade was won by PartyBox, which sells gifts and supplies for a range of occasions.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Ritchies Bakery won in the customer service categoryRitchies Bakery won in the customer service category (Image: bbritain)

Senior group editor Michael Adkins said: "We're delighted to once again partner with the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Lakshmi Brand Ltd won the evening's first accolade for sole trader/micro businessLakshmi Brand Ltd won the evening's first accolade for sole trader/micro business (Image: bbritain)

"It's really important we support, champion and celebrate local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Joy for award winners Laura Iosifescu, from Laura I Art Gallery CIC, and Carole PluckroseJoy for award winners Laura Iosifescu, from Laura I Art Gallery CIC, and Carole Pluckrose (Image: bbritain)

"All businesses face similar challenges - recovering from the Covid pandemic, coping with increases in fuel and operating costs and navigating the cost of living crisis affecting customers - yet still they continue to survive and thrive.

"The chamber excelled with another excellent awards evening. If you can support a local business, please do so."

Barking and Dagenham Post: Alex Rowley's mother (second right) accepted his employee of the year accoladeAlex Rowley's mother (second right) accepted his employee of the year accolade (Image: bbritain)

Dagenham & Redbridge FC received the one-off Jubilee Award, presented in honour of Her Majesty The Queen's 70 year reign.

The award recognised resilience, continuity and sustainability.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Cashain David (left), founder of distillery and blending house Kromanti Ltd, with the award for best new businessCashain David (left), founder of distillery and blending house Kromanti Ltd, with the award for best new business (Image: bbritain)

The club's Victoria Road home became a rest centre following the July 19 fire that saw 14 homes destroyed and others damaged in Dagenham.

Barking and Dagenham Post: The business growth award went to Sign ArchitectsThe business growth award went to Sign Architects (Image: bbritain)

The club's managing director Steve Thompson, who accepted the award, said it hosted 200 people and slept 20 on that night.

He added: "What we have tried to do over the past 20 years is be part of the community.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Eastbrookend Country Park tea rooms and Sensor Coating Systems received commendations from the judgesEastbrookend Country Park tea rooms and Sensor Coating Systems received commendations from the judges (Image: bbritain)

"I am really proud of our football club and our community."

A special award was also presented to Dame Margaret Hodge, who announced last year that she would not seek re-election as Barking MP.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Dame Margaret Hodge received a special award after serving as Barking MP since 1994Dame Margaret Hodge received a special award after serving as Barking MP since 1994 (Image: bbritain)

Jamie Banks, president of the borough's chamber of commerce, said the evening was about "recognising the success of our local businesses and business people, their achievements, vision, passion and contribution to the local community."

Barking and Dagenham Post: Jamie Banks, president of Barking and Dagenham Chamber of CommerceJamie Banks, president of Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce (Image: bbritain)

Barking and Dagenham Post: Awardgoers join in with a rendition of Sweet CarolineAwardgoers join in with a rendition of Sweet Caroline (Image: bbritain)

Full winners

Business of the year: Care Optics

Jubilee Award: Dagenham & Redbridge FC (highly commended - PartyBox and London School of Management Education)

Judges Award one to watch: Eastbrookend Country Park tea rooms; highly commended: Sensor Coating Systems

Business person of the year: Carole Pluckrose, The Boathouse

Business located outside Barking and Dagenham which is trading in Barking and Dagenham: The Baby Bank HQ

Employee of the year: Alex Rowley, Sycamore Trust

Home grown talent: PartyBox

Employer of the year: Care Optics

Innovation and diversification in the use of digital media: Laura I Art Gallery CIC

Customer service: Ritchies Bakery

Training, development and supporting education: Care Optics

Business growth: Sign Architects

Best new business: Kromanti Ltd

Sole trader/micro business: Lakshmi Brand Ltd