The category winners for the South-Central England region of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) & Worldpay UK Business Awards 2017 have been announced today (Wednesday) and includes Newport-based business Bebéccino.
The awards, now in their fourth year, are open to businesses with fewer than 250 employees, including self-employed people and micro businesses. They recognise and celebrate the most outstanding smaller businesses in the UK, a sector that makes an overwhelming contribution to the UK’s economy and culture.
Bebéccino is nominated for the category of community business of the year. The kids café is located on Newport High Street and opened in 2015. The business has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Rebecca Blachford.
Neil Eames, Development Manager for FSB in Hampshire and Isle of Wight said:
“We are absolutely delighted to see so many of our local businesses acknowledged as regional winners. Small businesses contribute so much to our nations’ and regions’ characters and economies. I understand that this year’s entries were all of the highest standard and were reflective of the diverse and strong small business culture across the UK. We wish all our local businesses the best of luck for future success.”
James Frost, chief marketing and commercial officer at Worldpay UK, comments:
“Small businesses will continue to help drive the UK economy through both their innovation and expansion. It’s critical, especially in these uncertain times, that we support and recognise their contribution to the national economic growth and applaud the hard work and commitment that goes into running your own business.”
The regional category winners were selected by a panel of representatives from the small business sector from across the UK, and will now go forward to the next stage of judging. 11 UK national category finalists will be shortlisted to then go through to the final for the FSB & Worldpay UK Business Award 2017, being held on 10th May at Shakespeare’s Globe, London SE1.
