Friday 11 April 2025
 The winner of this year’s overall Havering Small Business of the Year, selected from the ten category winners, will receive a prize valued at £25,000 from JCDecaux UK.
The overall winner will be able to spend it on advertising in the borough to promote their business.
JCDecaux is the UK’s leading outdoor advertising company and their commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship and driving economic growth has set a benchmark in the industry.
The awards format for 2025 has changed to allow Havering businesses to nominate themselves and for the public to vote for their favourites, too.
Then, for the second and final round in May 2025, we will contact the shortlisted businesses with the highest number of votes to ask them to show us why they think they should win. Businesses will have five weeks to respond.
All finalists will then be invited to an awards evening in September where the winners will be announced.
Havering Small Business Awards are supported by our main sponsor, Wates, Time FM (our media sponsor) and our individual category sponsors are listed on our awards page.
As well as Havering celebrating 60 years as a borough this year, Langtons House has also celebrated its diamond anniversary.
The venue in Hornchurch has been providing a registration service since 1965, offering wedding ceremonies in its beautiful grounds, as well as registering both births and deaths.
On Saturday 5 April, Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, the Deputy Lieutenant of Havering, Nick Bracken, Mayor of Havering, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, Cabinet member for Registration, Councillor Paul Middleton, ward councillors and representatives from Friends of Langtons Estate, visited Langtons House, to mark the 60th anniversary with staff.
Havering is one of the 175 local authorities in England and Wales delivering a registration service, which also includes hosting citizenship ceremonies where residents can legally become a British Citizen as another of its statutory duties, as well as marriage and civil partnerships for same sex couple, and much more.
Last weekend, on the actual anniversary of the very first wedding that was conducted at Langtons House 60 years ago, 16 new couples made their vows.
Photograph courtesy of Martin Peters Photography
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A statement from the Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, on an increase in business rates putting new pressure on businesses.
He said:
“A Government increase in business rates and a reduction in business rate relief has put added pressure on businesses who are already struggling with increases in costs that include National Insurance Employer contributions.
“This increase means that many are now seeing a tougher and bleaker future despite Government assurances on growing and supporting the economy. Business rates are set by a Government agency (the Valuation Office) but are collected by local councils like us. However, in London we only see 30 per cent of the amount collected. The Government take 33per cent and the GLA 37 per cent.
“As a council, we are trying to do all we can to support our businesses. That includes launching a new ‘Buy Local’ campaign (Keep It Local) to encourage residents to spend their money with local businesses, shops, trades people and the hospitality industry. We have also relaunched our annual small business awards.
“We have two great BIDs in Romford and Rainham, and we are now working on a new one in Hornchurch. We have successfully bid for the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and we have made our apprenticeship levy available for businesses to take on new apprentices.
“In addition, we are working on some large investment opportunities, like the proposed East Havering Data Centre, which will bring in new jobs, opportunities and growth for the borough.
“With regards to business rates, we will ensure that all eligible businesses receive the reliefs and support they are entitled to continue to advocate on their behalf for a fairer, more sustainable business rates system and provide guidance and support around payment options, or further assistance where appropriate.
“We have and will always be on the side of our fantastic local businesses. We will now lobby our local MPs to highlight the pain that the changes are causing to our local businesses and do all we can to look at other opportunities to support our local economy.”
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Where We Live - Litter pickers out in force
Havering Council’s flagship campaign Where We Live, wants to encourage residents to join the Council and their neighbours and community groups, to work together to make Havering a cleaner and safer place to be.
The campaign is already seeing many residents out and about across the borough, taking part in litter picks, river clean-ups and more, showing their pride in where they live in their communities.
Last weekend saw the Harold Hill Wombles and Havering Green Streets (pictured) out and about again, this time taking part in a spring “blitz” in their community, picking up litter and tidying up in the Briar Road area.
Meanwhile, the Harold Wood Wombles, are continuing to help take care of their community, by hosting a litter pick every Wednesday at Harold Wood Park. Many of the members have been litter picking for the past 10 years, which also includes a monthly tidy up around Painesbrook Park.
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 There’ll be no changes to your rubbish and recycling collections this Easter bank holiday.
You should leave your bags out as normal from 7am on your usual day of collection. If your collections are on a Friday and Monday, collections will still be made on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Check the website for a reminder of what goes in your recycling bag and your black waste bags, plus checking your dates.
If you are getting rid of electrical items, these can be taken to Gerpins Lane tip but you can also dispose of small household items alongside your weekly collections (except for flat collections).
Please check the information online regarding batteries as they can be hazardous waste. Small household batteries can be put in a small clear carrier or sandwich bag and left by your black rubbish and orange recycling sacks on your collection day. These will be collected and kept separate for recycling.
Batteries such as Lithium, those with trailing wires, industrial or car batteries or those that are corroded or damaged, must not be left with weekly collections. These should be taken to the tip.
Keep It Local - Dinosaurs in Romford
Show some love to your local high streets and businesses this Easter Holiday, and Keep It Local - you never know what you might find.
Like for example, the free Dinosaur Trail in Romford Town Centre, brought to you by the Romford Business Improvement District (BID). Grab the kids (and the adults) and head down to Romford to find the 18 life-sized toy brick dinosaurs hiding in plain sight at key spots throughout the town.
The dinosaurs will be on display until Tuesday 22 April, and there's a whole host of other activities going on across the holidays (see the What's Happening section for more details).
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Plans to tackle violence against women and girls in Havering have been outlined by Havering Council.
A five-year plan was agreed by the Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 9 April and under the Havering Community Safety Partnership, it includes:
- Working towards the reduction and prevention of violence against women and girls, increasing trust, confidence and better supporting of victims, and protecting people from exploitation and harm.
- To deliver various initiatives and services with partners, including raising awareness, events, campaigns, support services and enforcement action to address four main areas: Prevention, Provision, Protection, and Partnership.
- To work towards the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls through the development of strong policies, preventative work, high-quality service provision and support and robust enforcement actions against perpetrators.
The Havering Community Safety Partnership consists of Havering Council, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, health and probation services plus safer neighbourhood teams.
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 Children from all backgrounds in Havering are in need of foster carers to have better outcomes in life.
Children enter foster care for many reasons. This means they need different forms of emotional and practical support.
We always try to keep families together when we can. We need foster carers when this is not possible.
Do you have a spare bedroom?
Can you offer a child or young person a home, time, love and support?
If the answer is yes, please contact localcommunityfostering.co.uk or call 02084963437 and ask to foster for Havering Council.
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In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, Havering Council has introduced a series of comprehensive measures to ensure the continued safety and well-being of council tenants.
At the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 9 April, Cabinet Members reviewed recommendations to undertake essential fire safety works to a number of the Council’s high-rise buildings to ensure their continued safety and the safety of our residents.
Havering Council has already undertaken works to reduce the likelihood of an incident like Grenfell, by registering all of its 15 tall buildings, which are at least 18 meters in height or have six storeys, with the Building Safety Regulator and the London Fire Brigade. Detailed Building Safety Case Files have also been produced for each building.
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The price rises for parking and traffic penalty charge notices (PCNs) came into affect this week (Monday 7 April), following consultation with London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee. This is the first increase in penalty charges and fees since 2011.
The increase is to help ensure penalty charge notices (PCNs) remain effective deterrents and help towards ensuring drivers comply by driving and parking safely.
Money raised by PCNs cannot go into the Council’s general funds for any purpose. Instead, local authorities have a legal duty to ensure any net revenue raised by PCNs is reinvested in traffic and transport schemes. In London this includes paying for the Freedom Pass providing free public transport for 1.2 million older and disabled Londoners.
Following a public consultation, the decision was made by London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, which is responsible for setting parking, bus lane and moving traffic penalty charges on borough roads, plus additional parking fees.
Residents are reminded that challenges and appeals against PCNs should be made through the official channels shown on the letter, or through the Council's parking webpage, and NOT by contacting your MP or ward councillor - this will only delay the appeals process.
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We have received an increase of calls to the switchboard, as well as messages to Ward Councillors, regarding cars being parked over dropped kerbs.
The quickest way to report vehicles parked obstructing your dropped kerb is to telephone 07946 738495, where our on-duty Enforcement Supervisor will take the vehicle details.
A Civil Enforcement Officer will be dispatched as soon as is possible, subject to location and resource. You can read more information on dropped kerbs below.
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 Our government funding has been slashed and services that residents value most are at risk. Successive governments have shown they don't care about our residents, and are comfortable to keep short changing you.
It's time to take the fight to number 10! Sign our petition to demand change now.
The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O'Sullivan, has planted a tree dedicated to his ongoing service as Mayor, at Gisborne Gardens, Rainham.
The new planting also re-established a tree at the same location where a previous tree had to be removed following damage due to bad weather.
The location of the tree is also significant as it is close to where Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan grew up as a child.
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Those at increased risk from severe illness can boost their protection with a free NHS COVID-19 vaccine, including those aged 75 or over (on Tuesday 17 June 2025), people with a weakened immune system or who live in an older adult care home.
If eligible, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. To book, visit the NHS App, the NHS website or call 119 for free.
You may also be able to visit a walk-in site where no booking is required.
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 We're always looking for help to improve services across the borough. This section of the newsletter features live consultations from the Council and partners so you can share your thoughts.
Have your say on all live Council consultations through our website.
C-Card Survey for Young People in Havering
We want to hear from young people (aged 16 to 24) in Havering about the C-Card (Come Correct) service - a free and confidential scheme providing access to condoms, sexual health information, and advice.
We want to know how we can ensure more young people know about and use the C-Card. Would social media campaigns, better promotion in schools and colleges, or more discreet collection points help?
We’re looking at ways to make the C-Card scheme more accessible, engaging, and widely known among young people. Your feedback will help us understand how to improve the service, from increasing awareness to making sign-ups and collections easier.
The survey closes on Friday 2 May.
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 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
A free exhibition 60 Years of Havering – a look back in pictures opened at the Central Library, Romford last week, and is available in the foyer of the library until Tuesday 6 May.
The exhibition celebrates the diamond anniversary of the amalgamation of Romford Borough Council with Hornchurch Urban District Council in 1965, and highlights important events and changes from the borough over the last 60 years, such as the 2012 Olympic Torch coming through Romford (see above).
Havering Changing are running a Pot Luck Surplus Food Distribution event at the Mardyke Community Centre, South Street, Rainham, RM13 8PJ, on Thursday 17 April from 2pm to 4pm. The centre also hosts a Warm Space every Tuesday from 8:30am to 3:30pm, where you can grab a hot drink and free breakfast, and meet new people.
Unlock new digital skills with Havering Adult College’s free Byte-Size Mondays workshops. Whether you want to master Excel, improve online safety, or explore AI basics, the expert-led sessions make learning simple and accessible.
No cost, no commitment, just valuable skills to boost your confidence with technology. Book your place today at www.haveringadultcollege.co.uk or call 01708 434955.
Havering Police and Havering Council have joined forces to host free football and basketball sessions over the Easter holidays.
There are two remaining sessions for children to get involved in:
- Monday 14 April - Harold Wood Park, Harold View, RM3 0LX
- Wednesday 16 April - Lawns Park, Horden Road, Collier Row, RM5 3HB
Football sessions for primary school age take place 11am until 12noon, and secondary school age from 12noon to 1pm. Basketball sessions for primary school age take place 12noon to 1pm, and secondary school age from 1pm to 2pm. No need to book, just turn up.
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The Mercury Mall in Romford is holding an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April, 11am to 3pm. There will be face painting, a hunt in the garden to find dinosaur eggs to exchange for yummy chocolate ones, and a chance to have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Each event costs £2 per person and there's no need to book. All proceeds go to King George and Queen's Hospital Charity.
Romford BID have also hidden dinos all around Romford (read more above), with 18 to find in total. Collect your map from KC Toys to take part.
Romford Shopping Hall is holding a range of dinosaur-themed activities this Easter holiday, including Dine with a Dino, Easter Bonnet Decorating, Dino Egg Hunting, and Dinosaur Egg Rock Painting.
Activities take place on various days throughout the holidays, so check the website for dates, times and prices. Events must be booked in advance.
Hear the Dawn Chorus at Rainham Marshes and mark International Dawn Chorus Day with an exclusive guided walk to experience the magic of early morning bird song. The walk takes place at the RSPB Rainham Marshes nature reserve at 7am on Saturday 19 April. Tickets start at £25, and you can find more information on the website.
Havering Antique Collectors Club is hosting its next session on Friday 25 April, 7:45pm to 9:30pm. Speaker Keith Finch will be discussing the Upminster Windmill and its history up to the present day. The event takes place at Harold Wood Neighbourhood Centre, Gubbins Lane. Tickets cost £6.
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Gallows Corner updates
Works continue on the Gallows Corner flyover and roundabout. There will be a series of temporary lane restrictions on the A127 Southend Arterial Road and A12 Eastern Avenue to/from Gallows Corner roundabout. These will reduce road widths from two lanes down to one.
All routes - including the flyover - will remain open, except for some overnight closures. There will be walking route diversions.
Major roads, approach roads and local roads will be very busy, so expect traffic queues and long delays. There is likely to be less disruption before 7:30am and after 7pm.
You can read more about the closures online.
Upcoming road closures
High Street Hornchurch will be closed outside Costcutter for sewer cover works from 7pm to 11:59pm on Tuesday 15 April.
Chase Cross Road and Collier Row Lane will be closed at the roundabout for telecoms mast maintenance, 9:30am to 3:30pm on Thursday 17 April.
Ongoing road closures
Winifred Avenue in Hornchurch remains closed daily from outside number 2 to its junction with Sutton Lane for footway improvements, 8am to 5:30pm until Saturday 26 April.
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Public transport
Engineering works between Barking and Pitsea via Laindon and between Upminster and Grays via Ockendon, are affecting late night services after 10:45pm on the c2c Basildon and Ockendon lines from Monday 14 April until Thursday 17 April.
There will be a Sunday service in operation on all c2c lines on Good Friday, Friday 18 April.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
There will be increased travel times on early morning (before 9:45am) and late night (after 11pm) services on the Greater Anglia line between Shenfield and Liverpool Street on Sunday 13 April.
Check the website for full details on all Greater Anglia service changes.
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