Greencrete BVI, operated by Mr. Hubert Akeem Lennard Jr. has been announced as the winner for the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs’ May Business of the Month.

The company is also the first Sister Island winner, with operations in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. Business owner Mr. Hubert Akeem Lennard Jr., captured the award with a criteria based on outstanding customer service, provision of unique products and diligent community involvement.

Greencrete BVI, officially began operations on January 27, 2013, and specialises in concrete, recycled glass, conch, and whelk shell items. The business creates items for homeowners such as countertops, floors, light fixtures, benches, and tables, along with creating souvenirs for persons to purchase.

 Mr. Lennard Jr. currently holds a certificate in concrete artistry and intends to continue his learning experience to gain the skills to produce and offer more items to his clientele. He described his business as offering something new and unique to the BVI community and added that Greencrete souvenir items have been added to the shelves of six shops in the British Virgin Islands and one in the United States Virgin Islands.

Mr. Lennard Jr. stated, “We are recycling, providing tourists with locally made items to purchase when travelling to the BVI, and also allowing homeowners the opportunity to purchase items that are custom made and budget-friendly, all the while being environmentally safe.”

Director of the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher stated that Mr. Lennard Jr.’s business is making a significant impact on the local community.

 “His ability to readily provide a needed service in the Territory through the manufacturing of locally made products and finding ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle these items, has garnered him growth in his business and positively affect the local community and environment,” Mrs. Christoper said.

The Director of Trade and Consumer Affairs added, “We are very proud to have him as our May Business of the Month and our first Sister Island recipient. I encourage businesses throughout the Virgin Islands, especially the sister islands of Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, to take advantage of this opportunity to promote their business throughout the Territory.”

As part of his winnings, Mr. Lennard Jr. will receive monetary funds to further promote his business and promotion through the provision of free advertisements. Promotions include a special GIS interview with the business owner; sponsored commercials for the month via radio and television; a business profile on the Government’s website and the online media; a profile on BVICCHA’s website; one year’s free membership with BVICCHA; and framed certificates.

For more information about Greencrete BVI, telephone (284) 543-7544, or e-mail at green_crete@yahoo.com.

The Business of the Month showcase was officially launched on March 3 by the department on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands. The aim is to promote small businesses in the BVI and continue to “fuel the entrepreneurial spirit.”

The Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs continues to support small businesses and encourages businesses in the BVI to supply, provide, and give back in order to become the next Business of the Month. Interested persons can log on to bvi.gov.vg for a nomination form, or visit the link provided.

Businesses can apply, or members of the public can nominate businesses or business persons by submitting a nomination form and an essay of at least 300 words stating why the nominee should be considered for the Business of the Month award. Click here to access the Business of the Month nomination form.