Business Advice, Assistance and Grants

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For support, information and advice on inward investment, property and premises, grants, economic development  and regeneration matters your first point of contact is Kingston Council's Strategic Business Unit.

The Strategic Business Unit works in partnership with organisations such as the local Chamber of Commerce, Kingston Innovation Centre, Business Link for London and South London Business to ensure businesses realise their potential. The framework for this is set out in the Council's Economic Strategy. For information on the economic strategy, please read the Kingston Plan (Kingston's vision for 2020):

Kingston Business Awards 2010 in association with Antoinette Hotel ls Launched

Local firms are being urged to enter the 2010 Kingston Business Awards with the message “Are you making waves in business.”

Developed by South London Business, Kingston Council and Kingston Chamber of Commerce, the awards were officially launched on Monday 5 July at an evening reception held at Warren House.

The awards are aimed at local companies of all sizes and covering the widest range of activities. A total of 12 categories can be entered, with invaluable networking opportunities and publicity along the way.

Ross Feeney, Director of Business Support, South London Business Ltd, said: “We are delighted to launch the inaugural Kingston Business Awards. We may be in a recession, but we still need to reward and celebrate our business community - and acknowledge Kingston’s success stories."

The awards are also supported by sponsors Lloyds TSB, NPS Group, Kingston University and Kingston Workstart. Ian Noble, senior manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial, with responsibility for Kingston, said: “We are very excited to sponsor the SME category as it enables us to be directly involved with recognising the strongest businesses in the borough.  

“The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the success of local companies. We are always impressed by the wealth of talent, innovation and originality shown by businesses in the area.”

Erika Robinson, Head of Operations for Kingston University, said “We are proud to be a part of the Kingston Business Awards this year and look forward to learning more about the talents and achievements of local businesses. As providers of continuing professional development we’re delighted to sponsor this category and to recognise and reward those businesses that are investing in the development of local people.”

Andrea Biggs, Employment Development Manager, for Kingston Workstart, said, “We are thrilled to be sponsoring the ‘Best Equalities Employer’. It is important to recognise and reward businesses that are making a strong case for equality and diversity in the workplace. Good equalities practice can benefit all and lead to a multiskilled and committed workforce, innovative approaches and expanding markets.”

Lisa Gagliani, Chief Executive, Kingston Chamber of Commerce, said: “Kingston Chamber is proud of all the businesses locally that we serve and would encourage as many as possible to come forward and gain the recognition they deserve in the Kingston Business Awards.”

The Kingston Business Awards 2010 comprise 12 categories. They are:

• Kingston Business of the Year
• Best SME Business
• Best Equalities Employer
• Best Retail Business
• Best Business for Customer Service
• Entrepreneur of the Year
• Best Commitment to the Community
• Best Business for Training & Development
• Best Business for Marketing
• Best Business for Sustainability
• Best New Business
• Best Employee

Firms are invited to nominate themselves, and can enter as many categories as they wish, and local residents can nominate their favourite local companies.  

The entry deadline is 27 September and the winners of the Kingston Business Awards 2010 will be announced at a prestigious dinner in November 2010 at the Holiday Inn, Kingston South.

To register you business or nominate another please visit www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk or text ‘Kingston’ to 60777.

Contact us

Telephone:  020-8547 5000
Email: business@rbk.kingston.gov.uk