Watford's businesses who went above and beyond in pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed how businesses provide services, and many had to adapt fast to survive.

Following, what has been of the toughest years for many, Watford Business Improvement District (BID) is celebrating the people who went above and beyond to deliver excellent service despite all the challenges posed by Covid-19.

Gibsons Butchers, Metro Bank and One YMCA have been recognised as some of the leading businesses by Watford BID while eight individuals working in the town centre have also been praised for their efforts.

Maria Manion, chief executive of Watford BID, said: “Our Service Excellence Awards have always provided a great opportunity to celebrate our businesses and allow them to feel proud.

“It’s been an incredibly tough year for so many businesses and their staff, packed full of uncertainties. Our winners stood out for particular recognition, but actually we want to say a collective thanks to everyone for doing their bit.”

G. Gibson Butchers in The Parade was one of the three winning businesses.

Winning business G. Gibson Butchers/

“We’ve been able to stay open throughout and are grateful to our loyal customers who have kept coming to us. The support we’ve received from Watford Council and the government’s grants has hugely helped us get through a very difficult time,” said owner Troy Chapman.

Winning business Metro Bank in Watford High Street.

The Metro Bank in Watford High Street was also named as a winning business. Mark Ryan, manager of the store, said: “We are very proud that our store has remained open throughout the pandemic, continuing to serve and support our customers and communities, during this challenging year.”

And a rough sleeping project run by One YMCA was also hailed by Watford Bid.

One YMCA, a winning business for its rough sleeping project.

A spokesperson for One YMCA said: “We are delighted to be recognised for our work in supporting people who were experiencing rough sleeping. During the pandemic we had the opportunity to design & create a standalone accommodation and person centric support service; to see the transformation of the lives of our residents benefitting from this is truly amazing.”

Employees across several stores were commended for their work during the pandemic.

However, there was one winner. Tom Clarke, a client care executive at ArtiCAD.

His manager said of him: “After discovering he has diabetes and temporarily losing his sight during lockdown, Tom returned to health and returned to his role, working relentlessly to help customers with their designs and software products. Tom goes above and beyond during training sessions, and on calls, and has received multiple 5* ratings from our customers.”

The excellent employee runner-ups are as follows, along with what their bosses had to say about them:

Donna Lawrie, head of marketing at One YMCA – “Donna is a great leader by being a great listener and always has time for every single person (not just her team) that needs her.”

Jana Samasova, trainee assistant manager at Cassio Lounge – “Jana is a real credit to Cassio Lounge, her positivity amongst the team and willingness to help out has really made her stand out.”

Jo Tindale, nursery manager at One YMCA – “Throughout the challenge of the pandemic Jo has understood the importance of continuing to offer a safe environment in which parents allow their children to continue to grow.”

Kaye Gibbons, head chef at Cassio lounge – “Kaye’s can-do attitude and positive mentality has not only seen her and her team bounce back after each lockdown, but also come back stronger each time and deliver excellence.”

Jana and Kaye Gibbons, head chef of Cassio Lounge.

Louise Elson, sales assistant, Lush “Louise has demonstrated amazing resilience and has been an example for everyone in the team."

Louise Elson, sales assistant, Lush.

Paul Stallard, senior sales assistant at Watford FC Shop – ‘’Having Paul being part of our club, business and community, makes it a better place for everyone.’’

Paul Stallard, senior sales sssistant, Watford FC Shop.

Sam Torabi, personal trainer at Everyone Active Central Leisure Centre – “Sam has done a fantastic job over the years as a personal trainer and community coach however this year he has gone above and beyond.”

Sam Torabi, personal trainer, Everyone Active Central Leisure Centre.