The Kingston Business Awards

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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.”

Patricia Stiling, Guest Relations Manager of The Antoinette Hotels in Kingston & Wimbledon said: “We are truly excited about being the main sponsors of The Kingston Business awards.  Good luck to all the nominees! We look forward to celebrating together the successful achievements of all the local businesses in the area.”

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 10 September and the winners of the Kingston Business Awards 2010 will be announced at a prestigious dinner in November 2010.

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

The Kingston Business Champions Awards were introduced in 2008 by Kingston Chamber of Commerce and The Royal Borough of Kingston to promote and celebrate the business strength in the area and the support for various worthwhile causes that businesses offer to our community.  The awards were generously supported in 2009 by Kingston College and the Shiraz Mirza Trust plus other category sponsors.  The second Business Awards Ceremony took place at The Rose Theatre on Monday 18 May 2009.  The winners of the 2009 awards along with category sponsors are shown below.

• Best New Company - Tax Assist
  Sponsored by Business Link London
   
• Best Employee/Team - Kingstonfirst Rangers
  Sponsored by Kingston College
   
• Best Volunteer - Kevin Quigley, Naysmiths (for work with Jigsaw4U)
  Sponsored by Kingston Voluntary Action
   
• Best Environmental Business/Project - Mounford Piggott
  Sponsored by Quadron
   
• Best Disability Friendly Employer - Gap Kids
  Sponsored by Kingston Workstart
   
• Best Hospitality Business - Canbury Arms
  Sponsored by Kingston Chamber of Commerce
   
• Best Commitment to the Community - John Lewis
  Sponsored by The Shiraz Mirza Trust

Kingston Chamber of Commerce and The Royal Borough of Kingston would like to thank the following for their contribution towards making these awards possible:

• Kingston Voluntary Action
• Kingston College
• Kingston Arts College Digital Arts Faculty
• The Shiraz Mirza Trust
• The Rose Theatre
• Kingston Workstart
• SouthLondon.biz
• Quadron Services
• Business Link London
• The Jam Agency
• The Creative People
• William Freeman Speaking Services
• Andrew Hird - photography
• The White Hart - catering
• And last year's winners.