Following almost 18 months of hard work, in January 2018, Southend-based Digital Marketing Agency, Lollipop, were one of three businesses to receive their Bronze Southend Business & Community Charter Bronze award from the Mayor, Councillor Faye Evans.

In the picture you can see Lollipop’s Jo Shaer and Jon Law with the two Gold Award winners – Gleneagles Guest House and The Castle Public House – both well-known Southend businesses.

The Southend Business and Community Charter Awards recognise businesses that are supporting the local community whether that’s through fundraising, volunteering, mentoring, employing apprentices, pro bono work; or anything that helps to ensure we have a thriving, vibrant community.

On their website it says:

An excellent first time application and a very worthy Bronze Award. This small digital marketing company based in Leigh-on-Sea has a strong focus on supporting young people, offering work experience and apprenticeship opportunities. Lollipop Local also support a local charity by providing first class services at a nominal rate.

The Charter is administered by the Organisation for Responsible Businesses and supported by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Their awards scheme is appropriate for organisations of all sizes from a sole proprietor to a large corporate. Awards are available at bronze, silver and gold levels via a two-stage application process. This is to ensure businesses are not only demonstrating appropriate levels of community engagement but are also robust, efficient and compliant.

Stage One – completing the workbook to ensure responsible and ethical operation – must be completed before proceeding to stage Two – application for the award. Evidence of community engagement is required annually; responsible business self-assessment certification is required bi-annually.