Spotlight on businesses in Leamington and Warwick that have gone that extra mile to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic
Leamington Business Awards COVID Resilience finalists - backed by The Courier and Weekly News - will take place on December 11
By News Reporter
Published 4th Dec 2020, 10:54 BST
Updated 4th Dec 2020, 10:58 BST
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.
Here are the contenders.
5. Get Cooking, Warwick
Anne Marie Lambert took her cookery workshops online free of charge, delivering around 40 Zoom lessons for up to 15 people
between March and July, with an emphasis on sustainability and economical and easy-to-make recipes.
She also provided classes for local and national charities and a takeaway event to raise funds for local foodbanks, as well as health and wellbeing-focused workshops for businesses.
Anne Marie said: “I’m really honoured to be recognised for the resilience award among Leamington businesses.
“I have really valued the support from my clients and their willingness to embrace Zoom cook-alongs. It has been great to connect people of all ages in lockdown through food.”
Business Pivot Award: This category was open to any business that can demonstrate how they have ‘pivoted’ their product or service during 2020, ie. adapted their offering for new or existing customers, thus allowing their business to survive – and even thrive. Photo: Picture submitted
6. CJ’s Events, Warwick
When the national lockdown hit in March, family-run business CJ’s Events Warwickshire took the decision to close its markets but, over a period of two months, the company worked hard on plans to return safely in line with Government advice, investing heavily in COVID barriers, signage and hand sanitiser stations and implementing policies and procedures, with the support of Warwick District Council.
And in June, CJ’s Events Warwickshire and Warwick Market were adopted by Central Government as a case study for how to implement a market’s safe return.
Their markets also continued to operate in line with the Government advice during the second lockdown.
Jamie Walker of CJ Events, said: “It has been an extremely challenging year for us. Our team have worked around the clock, with the support from Warwick District Council to ensure our weekly markets and special Covent Garden markets in Leamington could remain open, and this has allowed over 40 local, independent businesses to continue to trade through difficult ti Photo: Picture submitted
7. Goode Construction and Landscaping Group, Leamington
Owner and founder of Goode Construction and Landscaping Daniel Goode, was quick to step in to help a local care home by offering his time and skills to create a sanctuary area for residents and health workers, even allowing one resident to venture outside for the first time in seven years!
He also created a video and fundraising page, exceeding targets – and changing the lives of even more people, with plans to also continue his charity efforts throughout next year.
Daniel said: “I am extremely humbled and very appreciative of the nomination. I have put a lot of time and effort into this project to ensure it would bring some light and sunshine into an environment where it is needed most. I truly hope it has offered a place of rest and recuperation for patients and key workers.
“I will hold this nomination very close to my heart and it has certainly added fuel to our fire with our future plans benefiting local residential communities.” Photo: Picture submitted
8. Heartbreak Productions, Leamington
This outdoor theatre business of 30 years had to respond quickly to the realisation that their much-anticipated 2020 tour would not go ahead and so curated the following projects:
Heartbreak at Home – Free shared footage of past performances edited for the small screen at-home viewer.
Tell My Story – A competition for young people to devise their own story based on the phrase ‘Escape from Lockdown.’ This project, with funding from Arts Council England, was able to offer the out-of-work Heartbreak actors an opportunity to earn again by adapting eight of the young people’s stories into 50-minute screenplays live-streamed to families at home.
Alice In Lockdown - Following an announcement that outdoor theatre could return, in July, Alice In Lockdown was written, rehearsed and set on the road in a matter of weeks, travelling to 24 socially-distanced venues across the UK.
Executive director Maddy Kerr said: “Heartbreak is delighted and honoured to be chosen as a finalist for these awards.
“We hope that the lovely p Photo: Picture submitted