The town of Billericay came together in a celebration of local excellence last week, as the winners of the highly anticipated 2025 Your Billericay Community Awards were officially announced.
Thousands of local residents cast their votes to recognise the remarkable individuals, businesses, and organisations that go the extra mile to make Billericay such a special place. The glittering ceremony, held at Cristi’s Bar & Restaurant on the High Street, was hosted by Radio Essex presenter Chris Brooks and attended by finalists from across all categories.
Celebrating Billericay's Shining Stars
Organised by Your Billericay, these community awards are designed to honour those who bring positivity, care, and creativity to the town. From inspiring teachers and dedicated volunteers to beloved independent retailers and cafes, the awards highlight the very best of local community spirit.
Each winner received a trophy, a certificate, and a £100 prize to be spent within the Billericay BID area, supporting other local businesses.
The 2025 Award Winners
The complete list of winners for the 2025 Billericay Community Awards is as follows:
- Customer Care Award: Creatures Great and Small
- Employee of the Year: Julie from Waitrose
- Favourite Café / Restaurant / Bar: Maggio Lounge
- Favourite Retailer: Ravens Bakery
- Favourite Hair / Beauty / Aesthetics Salon: K Barbers Emporium
- Favourite Medical Practice: The Western Road Surgery
- Favourite Teacher in Billericay: Mr Wade from Quilters Junior School
- Favourite Window Display: The Olive Branch
- Volunteer of the Year: Stuart Gibbs from Billericay Food Bank
- Favourite Professional Service: Colchester Travel
A Ripple Effect of Generosity
In a powerful display of community support, this year's winners chose to pay their success forward. Many donated their £100 cash prizes to local causes close to their hearts.
Maggio Lounge gifted their award to Pussycat Lodge, an organisation dedicated to supporting rescued cats. The Olive Branch passed their donation directly to the Billericay Food Bank, while Creatures Great and Small chose to support HumanKind, further amplifying their positive impact within the local community.
Richard Willis, chair and board director of Your Billericay, expressed his delight at the event's success. "We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the response to this year’s awards," he said. "The passion, pride and community spirit shown through the nominations and voting has been incredible. These awards shine a light on the people and businesses who make Billericay such a vibrant and welcoming place."
A spokesperson from Maggio Lounge, winner of the Favourite Café/Restaurant/Bar award, commented on their commitment to the area. "We are truly honoured... our heart has always been in the local community. Through our ongoing support for Hamelin Trust, Pussycat Lodge, and the local food bank, we’re committed to giving back."
Stuart Gibbs from Billericay Food Bank, named Volunteer of the Year, added: "It was fabulous to win and to share the evening with so many great people, all trying to make Billericay an even better place to live."
Richard Willis concluded by highlighting upcoming community events, including the Late Night Light Up on Thursday, November 27, followed by a celebration of Small Business Saturday on December 6, ensuring the town's vibrant spirit continues to thrive.
