Who Do You Love?

22 January 2008

Vote for your most loved business! In what is fast becoming an annual event, Lewisham residents once again have the opportunity to vote for their most loved business in the borough.

Nominations are not restricted to a favourite butcher, baker or … even candlestick maker. Any independent retailer or shop qualifies – as long as the shop is not part of a chain of more than nine outlets. Cafés and restaurants are the most obvious choice but shops, pubs, florists, stationers and local corner shops are all eligible.

Businesses don't have to be specialist but they should be local and above all loved.

The competition is sponsored by Apogee and forms part of the Lewisham Business Awards 2008. Launching the competition, Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, said: "This is a great way for residents to show their appreciation of local businesses and to highlight some of the best in the borough."

The competition runs from 1-29 February 2008 and the winner will simply be the business that receives the greatest number of nominations.

Voting cards will be available throughout February from Lewisham's libraries. It will also be possible to vote by emailing nominations to whodoyoulove@lewisham.gov.uk.

For more information, follow the 'Business' link at www.lewisham.gov.uk.

For more information contact:
Gavin Jones, Lewisham Council Press Office
Tel: 020 8314 6082
Mobile: 07753 772724
Email: gavin.jones‎@‎lewisham.gov.uk


NOTES FOR EDITORS

Last year's competition was won by the Royal Gurkha restaurant in Downham. Second place was taken by Hand Made Food in Blackheath, and third place was won jointly by Sapporo Ichiban and The Pizzeria in Catford.

This is the third year the 'Who Do You Love?' competition has been run. This year it's sponsored by Apogee and forms part of the Lewisham Business Awards 2008.

The Apogee Corporation is the fastest growing independent supplier of digital office solutions in the UK. It offers a wealth of product and solutions knowledge. More: www.apogeecorp.com

Lewisham Business Awards aim to celebrate the achievements of local businesses and their contribution to making Lewisham a great place to live, work and learn. The 2008 categories are:

• Best company (overall winner)
• Mayor's award for corporate responsibility
• Best social enterprise
• Best new company
• Growth business of the year
• Best use of innovation
• Best young entrepreneur (aged 14-19)
• Supporting diversity
• Welcome to Lewisham

The award ceremony and celebrations will be held at Blackheath Halls on Thursday, 3 April 2008.