by Derek Belm
Some time ago at my behest and suggestion, The Shouty Villager launched a business awards to help big up local companies a little.
Needless to say, Derek Belm & Sons won the first three monthly awards.
But then the newspaper’s staff started choosing other companies, so I lobbied hard for them to scrapped altogether and sure enough they barely lasted 6 months in total.
But now that I’m Acting Editor of The Shouty Villager and I’ve grown up a bit in recent years, I’ve decided to revive the Business Awards.
That is why it gives me a unhealthy amount of pleasure to announce the first winner of our rehashed monthly accolades.
The winner of The Shouty Villager Business Awards for May 2008, as chosen by the journalistic staffage, is Jean’s Haulage and Sunglasses Kiosk, out on the way to Hammerwich.
Here is Jean and her band of truckers, yesterday, celebrating their prestigiously impressive title:
Jean’s Haulage and Sunglasses Kiosk is owned and operated by Jean Strump and the company’s gimmick is that all the staff always wear denim.
When asked about her award, Ms Strump said: “Come here big boy and give me a kiss.”
As a married Acting Editor with three childs, I made my excuses and left.
Jean’s Haulage carry perishing goods all over their place in their fleet of distinctive, stone-washed trucks and have never kept a deadline in the 12 years they’ve been in business – a record they are hysterically proud about and everything.
The Sunglasses Kiosk has been a more recent addition to the firm, although Jean’s stick of 1970s era tinted eyewear is going down a storm with the local dressing up crowd.
Jean’s nomination is for innovation, creating an impressive work-life balance, beligerency and for looking good in a pair of denim strides.
Congratulations to one and all. They will now go forward for the overall 2008 title.
