Guildford Independents Issue 4 2025-HR - Flipbook - Page 29
EXPERIENCE
GUILDFORD
People’s Choice Award winner - Olivo
Olivio received 340 of the total 2,000 votes. Culture Coffee got the second highest votes
with 327. Three Pigeons received 250 votes and Art & Grind Cafe got 206. Thank you to
everyone who voted.
Customer Service Award winner - Tortilla
(Team award) and Adedayo Adesina (individual). Judge Helen Planeta Paine, a founder
of Planeta Learning and Development said: “Tortilla stood out for their shared passion
for flawless customer service. Every team member shows the same commitment and
warmth, using smart tech to boost sales and keep customers coming back. Genuine and
driven, they consistently deliver top-tier experiences. Adedayo Adesina pairs top-level
customer-service training with daily excellence - going the extra mile for guests and
colleagues, refining every detail, and delivering it all with a winning smile.”
Independent Business Award winner Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Category judge James Carpenter, founder of Retail Leadership Unboxed said: “A
truly standout entry. Their £7m refurbishment, raised through sheer resilience and
determination, underlines their ambition and community commitment. They’ve kept
their café open throughout the disruption, moved locations multiple times, and
maintained customer connection at every stage. Their tone is humble but confident.
Every team member seems to live and breathe the mission. They’ve stayed open
longer than other venues during tough periods, and the accessibility upgrades (e.g.
lifts, soundproof rooms, baby-changing facilities) reflect the inclusive future they’re
building. This is independence as social responsibility, not just commercial agility.”
New Business of the Year Award winner Rita Botanicals
Category judge Malcolm Gilbertson, founder and creative director of Silverback said
“Rita Botanicals scored full marks, demonstrating a genuine passion for her craft and
her business, backed up by a wonderful story centred around her Nonna (Italian for
Grandmother) – plants for purpose. Rita’s innovative Terrarium Workshops and the
colour coded plant to help customers are inspired!”
Business of the Year Award winner - G Live.
Category judges Keith Churchouse and Esther Dadswell of Chapters Financial said:
“Some fantastic entries this year, and a close-run decision, however, we thought that
G Live had a really cohesive vision of what they wanted to achieve both now, and
looking forward, to continue to be inclusive for all. A really inspiring entry and
deserved winners.“
A special Long Service segment honoured nine employees whose combined careers
span 140 years.
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