Jewish Blind & Disabled (JBD) – which has three buildings of specially adapted mobility apartments in Essex – was named as Charity Employer of the Year at the Work Avenue Business Awards 2024.
The event celebrates the excellence, innovation and spirit of enterprise within the Jewish community. Work Avenue – the community’s leading employment and business support organisation – received a record 110 nominations for this year’s awards.
JBD triumphed in the brand-new charity category, which was created to recognise the positive impact which non-profits play in providing stable, secure and supportive employment opportunities.
Receiving the trophy, its chief executive Lisa Wimborne said: “I pick this up not for myself, but for our amazing, dedicated 60-strong workforce – who do such an incredible job in a time of ever-growing demand for our services.
“Our staff retention last year was over 95% and it is because of them that our charity is the organisation it is today, providing person-centred support services for the tenants that we house and people living in their own homes.”
Digital estate planning company Zenplans was named as Business of the Year, with founder Stephen Moses picking up the prestigious top prize.
Zenplans was created in 2019, in Work Avenue’s co-working space WE Hub. It helps advisers organise all their clients’ vital documentation and information into a single secure digital estate plan, which can then be shared with nominated individuals to ensure everything is accessible when it’s needed most.
With the ceremony also taking place inside WE Hub, in Finchley, Stephen – accompanied by some of his team members – said: “It is really amazing to receive this award, standing right here where we started five years ago.
“We began with an idea on a piece of paper, and Work Avenue and the network created at WE Hub, helped turn it into a reality. This place really does incredible things for our community.”
Micro Business of the Year, open to any company with less than five employees, was won by the AI training and consultancy firm Hartz AI, another to have benefitted from Work Avenue’s support.
Founder and CEO Craig Hartzel said: “I actually fell into this business when Work Avenue asked me to talk at one of their events about AI… and that’s how Hartz AI was born.
“Work Avenue is the most amazing organisation, where everyone is so supportive – from their team of advisers to the rest of the staff to the other members and clients. I would highly recommend them to anyone starting a business and looking for advice, support and/or a place to work.”
The Freelancer of the Year award went to Vickie Prais, a human rights lawyer and consultant helping organisations and civil society put human rights first.
The final award was for Young Entrepreneur of the Year, celebrating those under 30 who are building and leading growing and dynamic businesses – won by Dan Kraines and Scott Hircombe, of Paramater, the marketing agency they created during the pandemic to push the boundaries of what brands can achieve.
The Work Avenue Business Awards launched in 2018 and honours businesses from across the entire community and all around the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the charity’s CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “For more than 18 years, Work Avenue has been committed to one overriding mission: empowering individuals to earn a living with dignity. Whether through securing employment or launching their own businesses, we provide the tools, training and support to make dreams a reality.
“A huge thank you to everyone who nominated a business or charity for these awards, our stellar panel of judges, the many hardworking individuals who have made tonight a success and the generosity of our sponsors.
“Our finalists and winners represent the very best of our community, from a truly outstanding pool of contenders.”
- Pictures by Leivi Saltman
