Last years Star of the Year comes from Lu-Ma Café, an independent café in the heart of Wimbledon run by mother and daughter team, Lucy and Maria. Lucy nominated her mum for her commitment to their business, staff, customers and the wider community throughout the pandemic.
From the first lockdown announcement, and despite her own concerns for the business, Maria set up a WhatsApp group so that staff could keep in contact and support each other. She used the time when the business was closed to her advantage, planning for reopening and adapting the workplace for the safety of her staff and the customers.
“She constantly works to meet the needs of customers,” says Lucy. “She opened early one morning so that a vulnerable customer could celebrate their birthday safely; offered free breakfast or lunch to children as part of Marcus Rashford’s free school meals campaign; and really understands that the past 18 months have been lonely and challenging for some. Our collaboration with Shawmind to become a ‘Breath Café’ has seen at least 30 people access free, confidential mental health support at Lu-Ma Café. She is totally committed to Lu-Ma's service in the local community: despite the financial and practical challenges of the pandemic, good, healthy food and connection for our customers have always taken priority.”
Star of the Year was just one award that Lu-Ma Café won last year. In fact, they walked away triumphant with a whopping three awards. Be inspired and find out how their win has made a real difference to their business at the launch of the 2022 Merton Best Business Awards. Find out more here and book your free place today.