Wes Streeting MP for Ilford North said “I’m delighted that the Ilford Business awards are back this year and it’s great that after a successful inaugural year they have been expanded to include my constituency of Ilford North. We all know that local businesses play a vital role in our community and are essential to Redbridge’s prosperity, as well as helping to make it such a great place to live.

It’s only right that we recognise the massive contribution these businesses make and the number of nominations that have come in from members of the public in the past shows just how much they mean to our community.

I know these are not easy times for small businesses right across the country. After a very difficult couple of years facing disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses are facing rising costs and an uncertain economic environment. This makes it all the more important that those who keep our high streets running, our shops and restaurants open and who provide vital services to local people are recognised for their contribution.

I want to thank the Ilford Business Improvement District (BID) for creating these awards. I know they were a huge success last year and I’m proud that businesses from across Redbridge will be able to get the recognition they deserve. I also want to thank the sponsors who make these awards possible.”

Sam Tarry MP of Ilford South Said “I was proud to have launched the inaugural Ilford South Business Awards last year to support small and independent business right across my constituency who had suffered the brunt of the Covid pandemic and who were struggling to survive following a series of lockdowns, decreased footfall in the post-pandemic period, and a lack of meaningful financial support from the Government.

The awards were an enormous success and helped to showcase the range and depth of businesses we have in our community, from Ilford Lane to Seven Kings High Road and beyond. Everyone was thoroughly deserving of recognition and I was delighted that so many businesses fed back to me that the publicity generated by the awards led to an increase in the number of people through their doors.

A year on, Ilford’s businesses are facing another enormous challenge in the form of rapidly rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, which is increasing prices and keeping customers away. So, I’m thrilled to be able to help support the new-look Ilford Business Awards this year, to once again champion the incredible businesses we have in Ilford who, as well as providing a unique range of services - many of which are nationally-recognised - are an integral part of the fabric of our community.

I look forward to seeing hundreds more businesses take part in the coming weeks and months, hearing why customers value them, and meeting the winners at the awards ceremony. Good luck!

Good luck to all those who are taking part - I’m sure it will be a fantastic night!”