Bring some festive joy to our City and get involved in this year’s Best Festive Business Competition

For the twelfth 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 [email protected] for a chance to win a 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 below prizes. Entries are now being accepted, and voting is live from Friday 1 December and closes at midday Wednesday 20 December.

• first prize - £500 cash prize donated by ISpy Group
• second prize - £300 cash prize donated by Dedman Grey
• third prize - £100 cash prize donated by 3D Filaprint

The winners will be announced on Wednesday 20 December, and all prizes have been kindly donated by local businesses.

One lucky voter will also be randomly selected on Wednesday 20 December to watch a show and enjoy dinner for two - donated by Genting Casino Westcliff. So, get involved and support local businesses and you could also be a winner of this fantastic prize.

Cllr Daniel Nelson, cabinet member for economic growth and investment, said: "Since 2020, there has been one crisis after another making it incredibly challenging for businesses up and down the country, particularly for small businesses. We are committed to seeing a thriving economy for our City, and the Best Festive Business competition is a bit of fun that brings the community together. It's also particularly pleasing to hear that businesses that have entered this competition over the years have benefited, so I hope even more business participate this year.

"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 fantastic prize of a night out with a show and dinner for two 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 in the run up to Christmas."

For further details about the competition, please visit the Business-on-Sea website or email [email protected].

View our Flickr page for photographs of the 2022 competition winners.

Published: 20th November 2023