Who's made the shortlist? Finalists revealed for the first Havant Small Business Awards

The public cast their votes in 12 categories – ranging from best pub to business personality of the year – in the initiative, which has been launched by Havant MP Alan Mak to recognise outstanding contributions to business in his constituency.

Last week, Mr Mak visited one of the 36 short-listed entries, period tearoom 19 Fourteas Tearoom in West Street in Havant.

He praised the unique tearoom as a prime example of the personality, care and quality that small businesses provide for the local area.

19 Fourteas is competing in the Best Café category. Should it win, the tearoom will also be in the running for the overall prize: Havant Small Business of the Year 2016.

Mr Mak said: ‘Congratulations to 19 Fourteas and all the other businesses who have been announced as finalists.

‘It was great to see so many residents putting forward nominations for individuals and organisations that are making a real difference to the local economy and community.’

19 Fourteas owner Jacqui Unal said: ‘We’re delighted to be named as a finalist for the awards, which celebrate small local businesses like us around Havant. We hope to prove that we’re not just another tea shop.’

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday, April 29 at South Downs College.

Paul Lindley, self-made millionaire and founder of organic baby food company Ella’s Kitchen, will be the guest speaker at the awards ceremony. The News is the media partner for the event.

THE SHORT LIST

Apprentice of the Year

Michael Rees from Aura Gas, gas and heating engineer, New Road, Havant

Matthew Winslade from Fasset, property solutions, Langstone Road, Havant

Joshua Smyth-Robins from P & I Generators, manufacturer of hot air generators, Downley Road, Havant

Best Health & Beauty Business

Chapel Medi-Spa, West Street, Havant

Headromance, hair salon, Park Road, Havant

The Hair Advice Centre, Elm Grove, Hayling Island

Best Street Vendor / Home-Based Business

Innovations Fitness, personal training and boot camp, Emsworth

The Dust Dolly, domestic cleaning, The Pallant, Havant

Polka Dot Cakes, bakery, Fern Drive, Havant

Personality of the Year

Julie Parham from Cut n Dry Hair Salon, London Road, Havant

Gary Robinson from Aura Gas, gas and heating engineer, New Road, Havant

George ‘Topsy’ Turner from Innovations Fitness, personal training and boot camp, Emsworth

Best Takeaway

Taste of India, High Street, Havant

Sophie’s Kebab, North Street, Havant

Coastguard Café, Hayling Island

Greatest Contribution of the Community

Gary Robinson from Aura Gas, gas and heating engineer, New Road, Havant

Tina Heath from Mengham Traders Group, Hayling Island

George ‘Topsy’ Turner from Innovations Fitness, personal training and boot camp, Emsworth

Family Business of the Year

Cut n Dry Hair Salon, London Road, Havant

Fresh from the Boat, commercial fishing boat, Emsworth

19 Fourteas Tea Rooms, West Street, Havant

Best Restaurant

Fat Olives, South Street, Emsworth

The Ship Inn, Langstone Road, Havant

Grastar, North Street, Havant

Best Pub

Old House at Home, South Street, Havant

The Coal Exchange, South Street, Emsworth

The Blue Bell Inn, South Street, Emsworth

Best Local Tradesperson

Andy Watts from the Motatalk Garage Services, South Street, Havant

Kelly Edney from The Dust Dolly, domestic cleaning, The Pallant, Havant

Ivor Copeland, heating & plumbing services, Hayling Island

Best Café

19 Fourteas Tea Rooms, West Street, Havant

Driftwood Café, High Street, Emsworth

Lavender Tea Rooms, North Street, Havant

Best New Business

The Emsworth Brewhouse, craft ale brewery, Hollybank, Emsworth

Obsession Hair & Beauty, North Street, Emsworth

Turbulent Designs, 3D assets and immersive environments, Langstone Road, Havant