We are rather chuffed to announce that last Friday night, the judges at Southend Business Awards named us ‘small business of the year 2014.’ Are we happy? Absolutely. Are we surprised? I think it’s fair to say our jaws were well and truly dropped.
What makes it even more surprising is that we were judged for the award after I’d had just a few hours sleep, having just travelled back from a Spanish buyers trip and Sam – well, let’s just say that the Leigh Tandoori has a rather potent garlic chicken – the smell of which rather lingers…….
We were finalists in 2 categories; new company and small business. I thought we had a much better chance at winning the new company award – that is until I saw we were up against the fantastic Legend Deli in Southend, who consequently won the award; and deservedly so.
But small business? We never thought that one was in our reach. We were up against businesses that had been established for years, making the win even more exciting for us.
It’s great to get some recognition for the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that have gone into making Vino Vero what it is.
And at 18 months old, we’re only just beginning. We’re also one of the top three finalists for the Newcomer of the Year 2015 award in the Drinks Retailing Awards. Results are in February so we are keeping fingers and toes very firmly crossed.
Big thanks to our judges RDP Newmans, award organisers the NQE newspaper group and award ceremony location the Cliffs Pavilion. You guys rock!
Vino Vero 