We’re in business! - top award winners who have inspired in 2020
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AVILLAGE café was heralded the most inspirational business for its innovative response to the pandemic, which saw it adapt, provide and serve its community.
Anna Federici opened Anna’s Cafe Bar in Weir, Bacup, in 2018 and within six months it had won a new business trophy at Rossendale Business Awards.
However, it was the response of Anna and her team to the pandemic and its challenges that astounded the judges of the 2020 business awards, full results of which were in last week’s Free Press.
When the café could not open for sit-down meals, it returned overnight to being a shop. The stock room was emptied to provide essen- tial items for sale.
Customers shielding were able to order their shopping and have it delivered and a takeaway service was introduced; staff did not want to be furloughed.
The café, which had already been established as the heart of the village, became a lifeline to many.
At this year’s online presentation ceremony, the business retained its Food and Drink title and added the Medium Business trophy, while owner Anna also won the Enterprising Person title. Then Anna and the team also won the top title - the Valley at Work Award - a bespoke glass trophy engraved by Alexis Valentine from Walking on Glass.
When news of the success was announced online, Anna and two of the team were working to provide a takeaway service for customers. She was so thrilled, she and ran
round the café.
Rob Carder, Chair of Valley at Work that connects local businesses and organises the awards, said: “What stood out to the judging panel was the way Anna and the team responded to the crisis.
“They reacted instantaneously and changed their business model overnight to be able to meet the needs of their customers. During lockdown Anna and her team saw it as what they could do; not what they couldn’t.”
Anna said: “Our phone has not stopped ringing with orders since the results were announced on Wednesday night. The awards really make a difference to a business.
“I was so elated for all of the team. I am very competitive and I was very appreciative when we won one, then the next one and then another. For such a young business, I never thought we would win the top trophy.
“I know how hard my team have worked, and myself, and this is wonderful for them to get the acknowledgment.”
Another winner was Douglas & Peters, a Bacup-based timber frame window company established in 2017 which won the Large Business trophy.
Director Andrew Douglas said: “It was a complete shock to get nominated and we are over the moon to win it.”
Since reopening after the first lockdown on May 4, the company has been working non-stop to meet orders. Former teacher Barbara Eastwood set up The Lancashire Gift Company in Waterfoot, after being unable to source a hamper of local produce to send to a friend who lived down south. The online business, run with friend Hazel Cridford, won the
Part-Time Business award.
The business surpassed all projections with some local producers saying the sales had kept their businesses going when regular events were cancelled.