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West Norfolk Mayor's Business Awards 2023: Promenade Leisure Company Hunstanton named Small Business of the Year




Bosses paid tribute to their hard-working staff after being named West Norfolk’s Small Business of the Year.

Hunstanton-based Promenade Leisure Company came out on top in the coveted category, fighting off strong competition from runners-up East Coast Signs and WhataHoot.

Judges were particularly impressed by the team’s ambition throughout the past year, which has resulted in them releasing a new rock sweet product.

The Promenade Leisure Company Hunstanton team celebrates being crowned the Small Business of the Year
The Promenade Leisure Company Hunstanton team celebrates being crowned the Small Business of the Year

Joel Large, who has taken on increasing responsibility at the company in recent years - and first produced his own gelato product in 2017 - said he was “super surprised” to be crowned the winner.

“It takes a lot of work, 45 years of a family business,” he said.

“We’re still going. We’ve got the East Coast Rock this year, and have a few more in the pipeline. We just want to keep going.

A jubilant crowd of guests
A jubilant crowd of guests

“We’re a small business now, we want to expand and grow. We take the whole aspect seriously - the environment, the local area, our staff.

“We like to think we take care of everyone and offer a fantastic product, which we’ve really strived for.

“We couldn’t be here if we didn’t have staff who care as much as what we have. That’s why we’re still here and we’re still growing, and can have aspirations to grow further.”

Michael Large, who first set up the company more than four decades ago, said having an ex-employee at the Business Awards thank the Hunstanton team for “what we done for him” was the cherry on top of an excellent night.

Andy Searle and Rory Campbell, the Encore Singing Waiters, put on a wonderful show for guests
Andy Searle and Rory Campbell, the Encore Singing Waiters, put on a wonderful show for guests

“That’s what we do for these young people coming through, learning how to work,” he said.

“It’s really a big thing for us.”

Joel added: “Hospitality is punishing, but if you embrace it you learn a skill which you just cannot teach. Work ethic gets you everywhere in life.”

Helen Peak, of the Small Business of the Year category sponsors Mapus-Smith and Lemmon, said: “This year’s finalists all had some great qualities which could make any of them a worthy winner of this award.

“All three businesses have reacted well to the challenges of the last year, managing to succeed in their own way.

“However, it was this business’ passion for its products, the determination, growth and strategy for the future that made them stand out.”



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