The winners of the best local businesses and independent retailers in Brent have been announced.
The second Small Business Saturday Awards, which celebrate small businesses in the borough, saw over 60 local businesses step forward to showcase what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Tamariz Deli, Rubio, Classic Brent Autos, Lounge Café, Mahogany and La Bottega di Anna were among those to beat stiff competition and win the first place in their category. Highly commended awards were given to businesses who narrowly missed out on the top spot, including Cuore Italian Deli, Finezja restaurant, and Sanzio.
Business associations such as Willesden Green Town Team, Harlesden Business Association and Wembley Traders Association were also awarded for their commitment to collaboration and community focus.
Entries were judged by a panel including Cllr Shama Tatler, Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive of West London Business, Michael Lassman, Chair of the London branch of the Federation of Small Business and Rosalyn Flowers, Senior Economic Growth Manager at Brent Council.
Cllr Shama Tatler, Lead Member for Regeneration, Highways, and Planning, said: “It was fantastic to see so many strong entries this year from both new and established businesses in Brent. Through these Small Business Saturday Awards, we want to recognise and showcase the great range of independent businesses and retailers that we have in the borough.
I’d encourage all residents to get out to your local high street this December and see for yourself what’s on offer.”
Small Business Saturday, a national campaign aimed at encouraging people to shop locally, will be on Saturday 1 December.
Harlesden business owner Tamariz Deli, the only second-time winner of the Small Business Saturday Awards, said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised again. We work hard all year around to make sure we offer the best service. We love to see our customers return time and time again to see us and this award tells us that we’re on track. Please go out and support small businesses on 1 December!”
Tweet about where you are and what you’re enjoying on your local high street on Small Business Saturday using the hashtag #BrentSBS for a chance to win a free meal for two at Sanzio’s Italian restaurant (the winner will be drawn at random and the prize is to be redeemed Sunday to Thursday in December 2018).
The 2018 winners are:
Individual business awards
| Category | Winner | Highly commended |
| Friendliest business | Tamariz Deli (Harlesden) | Desi Zaika (Wembley) |
| Best community initiative | Lounge Café (Chalkhill) | |
| Best celebration of culture or heritage | Mahogany (Harlesden) | Finezja restaurant (Neasden)
Bacovia Butchers (Neasden) |
| Best sustainable ‘green’ business | SeeWoo (Park Royal) | |
| Best marketing initiative | Classic Brent Autos (Church End) | |
| Best place to eat or drink | Taste of Peshawar (Stonebridge Park) | Cuore Italian Deli (Queens Park) |
| Best place to shop (includes local services) | Gayways (Northwick Park) | Michael’s Styles (Willesden Green) |
| Best shop front | La Bottega di Anna (Willesden Green) | Sanzio (Willesden Green) |
| Best business interior | Rubio (Harlesden) | Sanzio (Willesden Green)
Alhambra Palace (Harlesden) |
Business Partnership/Group Awards
| Category | Winner |
| Best joint marketing initiative | Wembley Traders Association |
| Best local event or festival | Harlesden Business Association |
| Best community partnership initiative | Willesden Green Town Team |
