Hawley Garden Centre enjoys success in business awards

Hawley Garden Centre and Nursery scooped the top accolade in the eighth annual Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards 2013.

Beating off ten other finalists to win the overall award, the family business run by Janice East has been serving customers in the Dartford area for 32 years.

Speaking at the glittering gala dinner at Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park on Friday 4 October, Janice East was overcome with emotion after accepting the trophy and £500 cheque.

"It’s absolutely fantastic," she said. "I can’t believe it – we’ve never won anything since we started in 1981. To be recognised like this is brilliant.

"We entered after our customers nudged us to do so and the prize money would be reinvested in growing plants that currently have to be bought in."

Matt Kear, commercial manager with Lloyds Bank and chairman of the judges, said: "Hawley Garden Centre showed a huge amount of passion and commitment. Your determination and courage in recent challenging times stand you in good stead going forward.

"It feels as though we have finally turned the corner and confidence is returning to the marketplace."

The trophy is on display at the Garden Centre, in Hawley, Dartford, Kent.

And Hawley Garden Centre has also been short listed for 'Commitment to Customers' at the Garden Retail Awards 2013, to be judged on Tuesday 5 November at Grosvenor House, Park Lane.

The awards come two days prior to Hawley's 32nd anniversary on the 7 November.

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