The cream of the business elite were celebrated at the borough’s annual enterprise awards ceremony last night.
A record number of companies entered the Barking and Dagenham Business Awards 2014 which were hosted by Strictly Come Dancing favourite Anton du Beke, at the Broadway Theatre, Barking.
Scented candle manufacturers Stoneglow Candles, based in Selinas Lane, Dagenham, were the big winners of the evening, taking home the Growth Business and overall Business of the Year prizes.
Project manager Jennifer Tatner has worked for the company for over 20 years and was over the moon.
“It’s amazing, you just never imagine it,” she said. “Everyone gets on so well within the business - we’re like a family - so it’s a really nice achievement.”
Barking’s Capital Karts, home to the UK’s longest go-karting track, were named Best New Business, although weren’t able to collect their trophy in person.
Dog-walking and pet taxi service company Always Waggy Tails, won the Innovation award and came runner-up in the Customer Service category, just months after launching.
Health, healing and transformation business Total Wellbeing, based in Chadwell Heath, won the Customer Service award while recycling pioneers Anchor Green Ltd scooped the Green Business gong.
Glen Standage, managing director of publishers Walter Newbury Ltd, was named Business Person of the year, just months after bringing his family-run business to Dagenham.
He said: “We’ve been around for over 100 years and never won anything before, so this really means a lot.”
Not-for-profit organisation Whole Body Therapy won the Community Involvement prize for its fall-prevention work with the elderly.
Founder Sarah Allman said: “I was happy just to be interviewed but this is incredible, I’m going to be grinning for months.
“Giving someone their independence back is massive so I’m delighted to be getting the recognition.”
Relish Cafe, based in the Barking Learning Centre, won the Supporting Education Training or Development award while social enterprise Brighter Steppings claimed the top-spot in the Sole trader, Micro Business or E-business category.
For the ultimate lowdown on the awards including pictures, full shortlists and interviews with all the winners, pick up Wednesday’s copy of the Post.
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