Spotlight on businesses in Leamington and Warwick that have gone that extra mile to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic
By News Reporter
Published 4th Dec 2020, 10:54 BST
Updated 4th Dec 2020, 10:58 BST
Leamington Business Awards COVID Resilience finalists - backed by The Courier and Weekly News - will take place on December 11
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