Paul Perfect Heating Wins Havering Small Business Awards, Havering 2026

Key Points

• Paul Perfect Heating Ltd secured the coveted title of Havering Small Business of the Year 2026, alongside winning the Best Tradesperson award.
• The annual awards ceremony took place at Lumiere Cinema in Romford, bringing together local entrepreneurs, sponsors, and community leaders.
• Ten distinct categories were contested, highlighting sectors ranging from local hospitality and trade services to community interest companies.
• Councillor Robert Whitton commended the exceptional standard of entries, describing small enterprises as the essential foundation of the borough’s economic ecosystem.
• The Orange Bin Company served as the headline sponsor for the 2026 ceremony, working alongside multiple local corporate partners and Havering Council.

Romford (East London Times) September 28, 2026 – Local entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and community figures gathered at the Lumiere Cinema in Romford as Havering Council hosted the Havering Small Business Awards 2026. The evening celebrated the achievements of independent traders, social enterprises, and commercial organisations operating across the borough, culminating in Paul Perfect Heating Ltd being named the Havering Small Business of the Year 2026.

Which enterprises secured top honours at the Havering Small Business Awards 2026?

The main accolade of the evening, Havering Small Business of the Year 2026, was selected directly from the pool of category winners by an independent panel of judges. Paul Perfect Heating Ltd, which had earlier in the evening captured the Best Tradesperson category, was chosen for the supreme award. The judging panel cited the firm’s relentless focus on high-quality customer service, dedication to sustainable working practices, robust long-term strategy, and general contribution as a community asset.

Upon receiving the awards, Paul Perfect expressed his gratitude for the recognition:

“It’s been an amazing year, and this is an amazing achievement. I’m so grateful to represent Havering and win these two lovely awards. I love serving the community.”

A total of ten categories were awarded during the ceremony, acknowledging commercial enterprise across varied sectors:

• Best Newcomer (supported by Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry): Varleys
• Best Small or Independent Business (sponsored by Romford BID): InkTree Education
• Best Beauty or Service Business: Utopia Beauty and Advanced Skincare
• Best Takeaway: Kaani Kaana
• Best Hospitality Business (sponsored by LWC Hills Prospect): The Hop Inn
• Best Tradesperson (sponsored by Marlborough Highways): Paul Perfect Heating Ltd
• Best Customer Service (sponsored by Kaani Kaana): Bear with the Hair
• Best Shopfront (sponsored by Sureserve Compliance South): Best Sellers
• Best Social Enterprise or Community Interest Company (CIC) (sponsored by Adecco): Talk FC CIC
• Havering Small Business of the Year 2026: Paul Perfect Heating Ltd

How did civic and corporate leaders evaluate this year’s competition?

During the opening proceedings, key speakers emphasised the central role played by independent enterprises in maintaining local employment and commercial resilience.

Councillor Robert Whitton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, addressed the attendees regarding the importance of small enterprises to the wider municipality:

“Our small businesses are the backbone of Havering’s economy and play an essential role in making our Borough a great place to live, learn and earn and for businesses to invest, grow and thrive. The quality of entries this year was exceptional and demonstrates the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across Havering. Congratulations to all of our winners, finalists and nominees. You should all be incredibly proud of your achievements.”

The headline sponsor for the event was The Orange Bin Company. Brendon Penn, New Business Manager at The Orange Bin Company, outlined the corporate sponsor’s perspective on the regional business climate:

“The Orange Bin Company is proud to support the Havering Small Business Awards and celebrate the businesses that contribute so much to the Borough’s economy and communities. The calibre of this year’s finalists demonstrates the strength, innovation and resilience of Havering’s business community, and we congratulate all those recognised this evening.”

The awards scheme was organised directly by Havering Council, supported by local commercial partners and district business improvement initiatives.

Background of the Havering Small Business Awards

The Havering Small Business Awards represent an established municipal initiative designed to highlight the economic contribution of independent enterprises, micro-businesses, and sole traders across the London Borough of Havering. Over successive years, the event has acted as a platform to promote local commerce, encourage high standards in consumer service, and foster networking between independent firms and regional stakeholders.

Havering’s economic structure relies heavily on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across key town centres such as Romford, Upminster, Hornchurch, and Rainham. By categorising awards into specific operational areas—such as shopfront aesthetics, social enterprise initiatives, and trade services—the council seeks to stimulate high-street regeneration, incentivize sustainable business practices, and enhance the visual appeal of commercial corridors.

Explore More Havering News

Havering Council Faces Scrutiny Over £1.986bn Contract Register: Havering 2026

Havering AC Wins Three Gold Medals at County Relays Chingford 2026

Prediction: How this development will affect local businesses, consumers, and the Havering economy

The recognition provided by the 2026 awards is anticipated to yield tangible outcomes for both the awarded enterprises and the broader economic framework of the borough.

For local commercial enterprises and winners

Winning or being shortlisted for a municipal award offers immediate market credibility. For micro-enterprises like Paul Perfect Heating Ltd or specialized service providers like InkTree Education, the public recognition serves as a formal endorsement of operational quality. This typically leads to increased customer trust, higher retention rates, and improved visibility when competing against larger regional or national companies. Furthermore, category winners often find it easier to establish commercial partnerships and secure local supplier contracts.

For consumers and community members

The awards provide clear guidance to local consumers regarding reputable service providers and retailers. Highlighting excellence in sectors such as customer service, takeaway offerings, and beauty care encourages raised consumer expectations and elevates general service benchmarks across the borough. In addition, the celebration of social enterprises like Talk FC CIC reinforces the availability of community-focused services that directly address local social needs.

For the broader regional economy

By celebrating public-facing achievements such as the “Best Shopfront” category, the local authority actively promotes physical investment in Havering’s high streets. Heightened visibility around successful independent businesses helps drive footfall to district commercial hubs, counteracting broader trends of declining town-centre activity. The emphasis placed on environmental sustainability and long-term planning during the judging process also encourages surrounding businesses to adopt similar operational standards, contributing to long-term economic resilience across the borough.