Residents have turned out in record numbers for this year's Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards, casting 9,430 votes to support local traders.
The public vote saw an increase of nearly 1,000 votes compared to last year, highlighting the immense pride the community takes in Lewisham’s local businesses.
The Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards are an annual celebration of the businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations that make an outstanding contribution to the borough's economy, communities and neighbourhoods - with businesses recognised for everything from sustainability and community impact to hospitality, innovation and local services.
Following a month of public voting, the winners will now be decided and announced at a special awards ceremony at The Broadway Theatre in Catford on Wednesday 21 October, hosted by broadcaster and presenter Amaarah Roze. The awards ceremony will bring together finalists, sponsors and business leaders from across the borough to recognise the vital role local businesses play in making Lewisham such a liveable and vibrant place to be.
Voting gave residents the chance to help choose the winners in 12 public-vote award categories. A total of 92 finalists were shortlisted across categories including Best Café, Best Restaurant, Best High Street Business, Best Sustainable Business, Best New Business and Best Community Contribution and more. The Mayor of Lewisham will also present an additional special Lewisham Legendary Award.
Earlier this year, the awards received more than 2,000 nominations, recognising businesses of all sizes, from independent cafés, restaurants and retailers to creative enterprises, community organisations and innovative start-ups.
Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava said:
"Lewisham loves backing local businesses, and these record-breaking voting numbers prove it. Our businesses are what make this borough special, from the cafés and shops we visit every day to the entrepreneurs creating jobs and opportunities behind the scenes. It's brilliant to see so many people getting behind them, and I can't wait to celebrate our winners."
Councillor Shireen Asaw, Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills, said:
“What an amazing result. Nearly 10,000 votes is a huge show of support for Lewisham’s business community and a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. These businesses do so much for our borough, creating jobs, bringing life to our high streets and making our communities stronger.
To see around 1,000 more votes than last year shows just how much people in Lewisham value their local businesses. But we know many are facing real pressures, which is why we're backing the VAT's the Problem campaign, championing businesses through these awards, promoting them through Discover Lewisham and bringing more customers to our high streets through initiatives like Sydenham Night Market.”
