Small businesses across Southend-on-Sea are being encouraged to decorate their business and get involved in a festive competition, which could win them some fantastic prizes.
For the tenth consecutive year, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has launched the ‘Best Festive Business’ competition, which aims to encourage small businesses across the Borough to decorate their windows or offices with their best Christmas decorations.
Businesses must submit a photo to @BusinessOnSea on Facebook via messenger or by emailing economicd@southend.gov.uk for a chance to win the prize. All entry photos - limited to one per business - will be posted on the Business-on-Sea Facebook page for the public to vote for their favourite display. The top three pictures with the most likes by the closing date will win the prizes as below. Entries are now being accepted, and voting is now live and closes at midday Tuesday 21 December.
- 1st place prize - free promotional video created by Blatella Films (worth up to £500), and an annual Federation of Small Business (FSB) membership for a year worth £226.40.
- 2nd place prize - free marketing audit by withMichelle (worth £400), and an annual Federation of Small Business (FSB) membership for a year worth £226.40.
- 3rd place prize - annual Federation of Small Business (FSB) membership for a year worth £226.40.
The winners will be announced on Tuesday 21 December, and all prizes have been donated by local businesses.
One lucky voter will also be randomly selected on 21 December to receive a £100 shopping voucher for Totally Locally Southend-on-Sea – a virtual high street for Southend's independent businesses.
Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “The past year and half has been incredibly challenging for businesses up and down the country, particularly so for small businesses, which have endured extremely difficult periods. We are committed to seeing a thriving economy for our soon to be City, and the Best Festive Business competition is a great bit of fun that brings the community together.
“I look forward to seeing the wonderful displays and I hope local residents will also get involved by liking their favourite designs. There’s a possible £100 voucher for one lucky voter, so make sure you take a look at the Facebook page over the coming days.
“I hope this competition also serves as a reminder to our residents that we have many fantastic small businesses in our town, and I would urge everybody to shop local where possible to help provide a much welcome boost to the economy.”
For further details about the competition, please visit the Business on Sea website.