A Dagenham travel agent was the big winner of the night as businesses were celebrated at an awards bash.
A number of accolades were handed out on Thursday (June 29) at the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023, of which the Post is a sponsor.
Dagenham Travel took the night's main prize, business of the year, beating off competition from the other award winners.
Farley Shelkin has run the business for 40 years.
He told the audience at Dagenham & Redbridge FC: "When Covid hit...my business struggled very badly.
"We had a very bad two years and we somehow came through it.
"I'm very pleased we are still standing and very honoured to receive this."
When asked by the Post how it managed to keep going, Farley said "determination and government help".
Dagenham Travel also won the customer service award, one of a number of categories being announced on the night.
Another winner was The Baby Bank HQ, a not for profit group which supports families in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge with basic essentials such as toiletries and clothes.
It won the business located outside Barking and Dagenham but which trades in Barking and Dagenham award.
Co-founder Kelly Rosevear said: "The reason we do it is because we really care for our community.
"We support around 40 families each week. It does not cost anything to be kind."
The evening ended with emotional scenes as a new award was handed out in honour of Sominder Panesar, who ran Prontaprint in Barking and Stratford, after he died last August.
His family were given a standing ovation as they presented the accolade to John Collings, who "recently retired" from Online Lubricants Ltd.
John said: "We know what it is like to be a family in business. This (award) means so much."
The Post's digital audience and content editor Michael Cox presented the home grown talent award to Study Buddies Tuition Centre.
"Local businesses are at the heart of the community and it was wonderful to support the awards and celebrate their successes once again," Michael added.
Full list of award winners
Business of the year: Dagenham Travel
The Sominder Panesar award: John Collings - Online Lubricants Ltd
The Coronation award: London School of Management Education
Business person of the year: Donna Pike - The PartyBox
Business located outside Barking and Dagenham which is trading in Barking and Dagenham: The Baby Bank HQ
Green business: Fix Auto Dagenham
Home grown talent: Study Buddies Tuition Centre
Employee of the year: Marcus Dixon - Urban Promise
Innovation through the use of digital media: The PartyBox
Customer service: Dagenham Travel
Training, development and supporting education: Fix Auto Dagenham
Business growth: Online Lubricants Ltd
Sole trader/micro business of the year: Kromanti distillery and blending house
Judges awards: Highly commended - Floglass Ltd; one to watch - The Brandy Distillery Ltd; one to watch outside Barking and Dagenham - LifeForce Security Ltd
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