MP visits trophy manufacturer

As excitement builds for the inaugural event, which will take place tomorrow at South Downs College, Havant MP Alan Mak visited marine designers and manufacturers Lewmar.

Lewmar, in Havant, is producing 40 bespoke trophies for the awards, which will see 31 of the brightest local businesses and entrepreneurs compete across 12 categories.

Mr Mak, who organised the scheme to promote businesses in his constituency, praised the exporter for its success.

He said: ‘I was delighted to visit manufacturer Lewmar to see the trophies for my Havant Small Business Awards being made.

‘Lewmar’s support has been outstanding.

‘It’s fantastic that a successful local employer such as Lewmar, which exports its high-end products across the globe, still retains an active interest in the Havant business community.

‘This community spirit is what the Havant Small Business Awards are all about.’

Founded in 1946, Lewmar manufactures marine leisure equipment – producing everything from anchors to rigging, and hardware to steering.

It exports its products to markets around the world and it is a large employer in the region.

Lewmar has been a strong supporter of Mr Mak’s community projects – such as the first Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair in February.

All the finalists at tomorrow’s awards will be presented with a Lewmar-made award by guest speaker Paul Lindley of Ella’s Kitchen.

Peter Tierney, CEO and chairman at Lewmar, said: ‘We’re excited to be supporting awards.

‘There is so much local business talent and enterprising spirit and we should certainly celebrate that. We hope these trophies are something that the winners and finalists can be proud to display, and that these awards are the start of many more to come.’

The News is the media partner for the awards.