As the finalists for the new COVID Resilience Leamington Business Awards were revealed last week, the Courier and Weekly News takes a closer look at each of the businesses which went above and beyond to counter the effects of the pandemic year.
Further details about the awards categories and how to nominate are available at: www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk2020 Business Resilience Award: This award will go to a business that has demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the pandemic and tackled challenges head-on.
Here are the contenders.
1. The Barn Kitchen, Leamington
Far from just sitting out lockdown, owner Kelly Isles and her team, immediately set to work in preparing more than 75,000 meals for NHS staff in Warwick, Rugby and Coventry hospitals. They also raised £7,500 to support their cause, even reaching into their own pockets to the tune of £3,500, and were supported by wholesalers Booker UK who donated surplus food. Their selfless efforts over a period of 106 days have already been recognised through a series of other awards, including Pride of Britain and Lorraine Kelly’s Heroes. Kelly said: “All our staff worked for free volunteering thru out the lockdown. The true community spirit shone thru and we pulled together not apart during COVID-19.” Photo: Boy With The Eager Eyes Photography
2. Acorn Academy Coaching, Leamington
When the pandemic brought an abrupt standstill to her work, health and wellbeing coach Rachel Baker pivoted to offer online coaching which has enabled her to widen her client base internationally. She also collaborated with Warwickshire County Council on a successful wellbeing support and coaching program for their keyworkers as well as launching free Facebook forums for both health and social workers and the general public. She is currently in the process of developing a digital download, as well as a physical pack of cards that focus on helping people make positive changes in their lives by managing stress and anxiety and building resilience and optimism – and pledges to continue her online sessions going forward. Rachel said: “I am overwhelmed and over the moon to be a finalist. This town has been my home for many, many years so I am excited, proud and honoured to be recognised in this way. Thank you to all of my clients, friends and family who have supported me and Acorn Academy Coaching throughout this v Photo: Picture submitted
3. Baabzi Takeaway, Warwick
Baabzi have been actively involved in their local community throughout the year, including meal deliveries to Warwick and Birmingham Children’s Hospitals. The team also supplied nutritious meals to Helping Hands charity as well as raising more than £10,000 for the NHS Charity through food nights, a charity bike ride and skydive. At the same time the business found ways to fund and supply keyworkers with PPE. Owner Faruk Miah said: “We are lost for words and humbled at making it as finalists for this truly wonderful award. It's an honour and a pleasure to share and serve during very trying and testing times. “Lockdown has been difficult for everyone, especially the vulnerable in our community. We as a team are deeply grateful for being considered." Photo: Picture submitted
4. Birtelli’s, Leamington
Not just surviving but thriving, this artisan pizza business, launched by two brothers in 2017, reinvented its trading model during this year’s first lockdown by offering pizza kits alongside their takeaway menu option locally. Such was its success, it has now been rolled out across the country. They have also been helping companies to hold virtual socials with the use of video conferencing apps to make their own pizzas with the aim of building engagement in the teams in the virtual environment. Proud founders Jag and Jim Biryah said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Leamington Business Awards Pivot Category. "We are passionate about pizza made from authentic quality ingredients and are really proud we have been able to extend our reach to enable people across the UK to experience a Birtelli’s through our Pizza Kits." Photo: Picture submitted