Get ready for window wonderland

November 29, 2022

If you have a local business, grab your ribbon, baubles, and lights to dress up your business for the annual festive competition, which could win you some fantastic prizes and add a bit of festive magic throughout the City.

For the eleventh consecutive year, Southend-on-Sea City Council has launched the ‘Best Festive Business’ competition, which aims to encourage small businesses across the City 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 open on Thursday 1 December, and close at 12pm Tuesday 20 December.

1st Prize - Blatella Films (customised video) and free private hire of The Ironworks ground floor for an event - evening only from 6pm - excluding Friday and Saturday.

2nd Prize - Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) annual membership, to the value of £177.

3rd Prize - The Ironworks three x free half day boardroom hires 8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm and two free trade stand spaces, 2m by 2m on a Saturday.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday 21 December, and all prizes have been donated by local businesses.

One lucky voter will also be randomly selected on Wednesday 21 December to receive a luxury hamper worth £100.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, cabinet member for economic recovery, regeneration and housing, said: “Since 2020, there has been one crisis after another making it 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 new 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 hamper 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.