The winner of the Advance for Growth 2024 competition, Wild Chai, was unveiled at the annual West London Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 2023. The unique prize package includes a year's worth of digital advertising, a free West London Chambers membership for a year, and a front cover feature in their Let’s Talk Business magazine, and business mentoring from the Council.
Advance for Growth is a competition, hosted in partnership by Hounslow Council, JCDecaux UK and the West London Chambers of Commerce, that gives one small business in Hounslow the opportunity to win access to the Council’s and JCDecaux UK’s Out-of-Home advertising estate for a whole calendar year, as well as tailored business support from the Council and the Chamber.
The competition's two runners-up, Quartz Kitchen and Jungle Versatile Indoor Play, will also receive access to business mentoring for growth from the Council and a year’s free subscription to the Chambers of Commerce.
Wild Chai is a Hounslow based business founded by two health-conscious South Asian sisters – Jasmine and Alicia – dedicated to crafting nourishing Ayurvedic blends. After officially launching at Taste of London in June 2022, their mission is to promote healthy drinks and healthier lifestyle choices in the community especially the South Asian community, which faces a higher risk of diabetes and other health conditions.
Sustainability is at the core of the business, reflected in the vegan products, eco-friendly packaging and partnerships with carbon-neutral farms that prioritise fair wages for female workers.
They’re driven by a profound commitment to improve people's health, fostering a community of well-being. Wild Chai is not just about tea; it's a journey towards healthier lives, inspiring individuals to make positive choices for themselves and their communities.
We are completely overjoyed and grateful to be selected as the winners. We are excited to be on this early-phase collaboration with JCDecaux, Hounslow Council, and the West London Chambers of Commerce, we're dedicated to fostering growth that extends beyond our business, benefiting the broader community. A heartfelt thank you to all who've supported us.Jasmine Kharod and Alicia Kharod Co-Founders of Wild Chai
We received some fantastic entries from a diverse mix of businesses so picking a winner was very difficult, I want to thank every business that took the time to enter. Our winners, Wild Chai have an exciting range of products that complement our own ambitions for a healthier and greener community. It’s fantastic to work with our local partners to unlock this fantastic once in a lifetime prize and Advance for Growth presents a unique challenge to businesses to showcase how they’ll utilise this to grow their brand. It not only provides the winning business with free access to premium advertising space seen by thousands, but also provides tailored support and guidance to help their business thrive in Hounslow and beyond. Hounslow is a fantastic place to do business, with plenty of opportunities for small businesses and start-ups to access support to help them excel, including our recently launch Hounslow Business First programme.Councillor Shantanu Rajawat Leader of Hounslow Council
We’re delighted to be working with Hounslow Council and West London Chambers of Commerce in the second year of this exciting competition that enables businesses to scale and grow. We look forward to helping this year’s winner Wild Chai use the power of the public screen to take their business to the next level, harnessing Out-of-Home’s ability to build their brand, create fame and drive business results.Phil Drye Chief Commercial Development Officer at JCDecaux UK
It is so good to see what Wild Chai is trying to achieve within their local community and the rest of the world! The judges were impressed with their strong sustainability ethic and their stance on fair female rates of pay. We are very much looking forward to working with Wild Chai, and of course seeing the OOH advertising across the borough.Sally Smith Chief Operating Officer at West London Chambers of Commerce
Find out more about Advance for Growth here.
Find out more about Wild Chai here.
