Seahaven Business Awards 2023 Winners

The 18th Seahaven Business Awards 2023 was a fantastic evening on Friday, 12 May and it was amazing to celebrate the successes of so many local businesses from Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven. The Presidents’ Awards dinner was super-charged with emotions and an overwhelming sense of community. The three Chambers of Commerce – Newhaven, Seaford and Peacehaven, pulled out all the stops for over 100 VIPs, members and guests at the Jerrom Hall, Peacehaven

It was a fabulous evening in the presence of His Majesty the King’s representative the Deputy Lieutenant for East Sussex, Mr David Allam, Newhaven Mayor, Paul Boswell, Seaford Deputy Mayor, Cllr Liz Boorman and Peacehaven Mayor, LucyJo Symonds. Guests also included Deputy Chief of Mission, Mrs To Minh Thu from the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the UK and Ireland, and Be Thi Ut Nguyen, First Secretary of the Embassy. MP Maria Caulfield and all three Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce completed the VIP guests.

The event was very well supported by local sponsors and categories were judged this year by our two MPs, and the Presidents of the Newhaven, Seaford and Peacehaven’s Chamber of Commerce and Graham Peters, Chairman of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone.

President of Newhaven Chamber, Mike Shorer said ,‘the three chambers represented here this evening help support and grow local businesses in many ways. What people may not realise is what we all do, creating and running our businesses has more profound effects than simply selling goods or services. Local business enhances the lives of those we work with and their families. The products we make and the services we provide create better lives for everyone and it’s thanks to that we have this amazing opportunity to share knowledge, experience, skills and aspirations throughout our community.’

You can see how the night unfolded in our image gallery.

 We are delighted to announce our winners for 2023:

President’s Award for Creative Enterprise

Sponsored by Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery

1st – Julie’s Art of Noise

2^nd – Got Buns Huns

3^rd (Joint) – Magpie Art UK and James Cox Music

Best New Business

Sponsored by the Newhaven Enterprise Centre

1^st – Pelham Barbers (Seaford)

2^nd  – Whittfit Training (Seaford)

2^nd – Newleaf Camper Conversions (Newhaven)

Best Environmental Business

Sponsored by Fine Marketing

1^st – Havens Food Cooperative

2^nd – Take Good Care

3^rd (joint) – Jeavons Toffee

Best Eatery

Sponsored by Experience It Now Travel

1^st – West Quay Cafe

2^nd – The Viceroy

3rd – The Bengal Palace Restaurant

Business Person of the Year

Sponsored by Swindells Chartered Accountants

1^st – Yahya Al-Hattabi from the Yemeni Coffee House

2^nd – Levante Novacki from La Maison Catering

3^rd – Megan Turk of Got Buns Huns

Best Customer Service

Sponsored by The Sussex Sign Company

1^st – Rachel Ayres of Seaford’s Secret Fairy’s Bookshop

2^nd – Kempton House Day Centre

3^rd (Joint) – CmdShiftR and CTLA

Business of the Year

Sponsored by The Newhaven Enterprise Zone

1^st – Inle Home

2^nd – Whittfit Training

3^rd – Seaford Town Market

The Seahaven Business Awards recognise businesses which have remarkable resilience, innovation, success, and commitment to staff and who take pride in being part of the community. The winners were presented with trophies made by goldsmith Mike Shorer. Each trophy weighs 4kg and is made from solid aircraft grade alloy, anodised gold and then hand engraved and hand enamelled.

A silent auction and raffle were held raising nearly £500 for the Hillcrest Community Centre. 

With many thanks to key sponsors this year the Charles Cox Group, Veolia, Meeching Estate Agents, Cleankill, V R Flowers & Son, Helen Macauley., Arlettes Florists, Seahaven FM and 2^nd Cup of Tea.