PICTURES: Innovation, success and commitment recognised at business awards

Seahaven businesses filled the East Brighton Masonic Lodge in Peacehaven on Friday, May 6 for this year's Gala Awards Dinner for the Seahaven Business Awards 2016.
Seahaven Business Awards 2016 winners.Seahaven Business Awards 2016 winners.
Seahaven Business Awards 2016 winners.

More than 500 nominations were received for 76 companies across the Seahaven area, in seven different award categories.

The judging panel included MPs Maria Caulfield and Simon Kirby, the Mayor of Newhaven Councillor Steve Saunders and the Presidents of the Newhaven, Peacehaven and Seaford Chambers of Commerce.

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RW Entertainment won the President’s Award for Best New Business, with Mint Hairdressing in second and Rosie’s Pampering in third.

VIP guests HE Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao (centre) and his wife, Mayor of Newhaven Steve Saunders (right) and Peacehaven Mayor Robbie Robertson (left)VIP guests HE Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao (centre) and his wife, Mayor of Newhaven Steve Saunders (right) and Peacehaven Mayor Robbie Robertson (left)
VIP guests HE Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao (centre) and his wife, Mayor of Newhaven Steve Saunders (right) and Peacehaven Mayor Robbie Robertson (left)

The title of Best Retailer of the Year went to Exquisite You Bridal Boutique (Seaford) followed by Dees Newsagents (Newhaven) and Amanda Zoe Jewellery in second and third.

Newberry Tully Estate Agents (Seaford) was crowned Best Environmental Business ahead of Cleankill Environmental in second and Wave Leisure in third.

The Hope Inn (Newhaven) took home the new accolade of Best Eatery Award, with The Front Room (Seaford) and The Viceroy (Newhaven) named in second and third place respectively.

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The competitive title of Business Person of the Year went to Richard Soan, ahead of Mike Shorer and Zuzana Strbakova in second and third.

Best Business of the Year.Best Business of the Year.
Best Business of the Year.

Fotobox Photo Lab (Seaford) won the award for Best Customer Service with Snipz Barbers (Seaford) and CTLA runners-up.

The final award of the evening for Business of the Year was handed to Huckleberry Hair (Seaford). Presentable Pooches (Newhaven) and Bodyhave Salon (Newhaven) came in second and third place.

Just prior to awarding the Seahaven Business Awards trophies, Phil Merry, Vice Chairman of Peacehaven Chamber, presented their annual Chairman’s Award trophy jointly to Paul Yates Smith and Simon Studd for their achievements throughout the year.

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Alasdair Fortune, President of Seaford Chamber, awarded their Chairman’s trophy jointly to Jonathan Chappell and Gerri Ori.

Best Retailer.Best Retailer.
Best Retailer.

VIP guests for the evening included His Excellency Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao Vietnamese Ambassador for the UK and Ireland, and his wife; Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Steve Saunders and Lady Mayoress Sharon Bewley; Mayor of Seaford, Councillor David Argent and Lady Mayoress Marian Argent; Mayor of Peacehaven Councillor Robbie Robertson and Lady Mayoress Louise Robertson; the Chairman of Lewes District Council Councillor Nigel Enever and his wife Lynn Enever and MP Simon Kirby.

The awards were followed by a grand raffle and a silent charity auction organised by Fund Raising Auctions. The proceeds of the raffle and auction - just more than £1,000 - were donated to Mencap, Seaford and Newhaven Sea Cadets and Denton and Newhaven Scouts – the chosen charities for this year’s event.

Annie Lorys, President of the Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, said: “This has been another successful year for the Seahaven Business Awards. The standard of the nominations goes up every year and this gives the judges a very tough job when it comes to selecting the finalists and then the winners.

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“Our congratulations to all the finalists and winners, but I would like to say to the businesses that weren’t placed this year – please don’t be disheartened - please enter again next year.

Best Business Person Award.Best Business Person Award.
Best Business Person Award.

“On behalf of Newhaven Chamber I would like to say a really big thank you to all our sponsors- in particular our two key sponsors Veolia and Wave Leisure.

“In addition - Cooperative Funeralcare, Fundraising Auctions, Elite Industries, Newhaven Enterprise Centre, HM Bookkeeping, Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery, Newhaven Town Council, and Seahaven FM and the seven sponsors of the awards, without whom this event would not be possible. “

The Seahaven Business Awards recognise businesses which have shown commitment, innovation, success and commitment to staff and businesses which takes pride in being part of the community.

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For more information about the awards, go to www.newhavenchamber.co.uk or ring 01273 517544.

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President's Award - Best New Business.President's Award - Best New Business.
President's Award - Best New Business.

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