Celebrating local businesses at Kingston Borough Business Awards 2025

The annual awards, which are organised by Kingston Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Kingston Council, took place on Thursday 24 April 2025. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements, innovation and impact of local businesses, educational institutions and social enterprises. 

South Side Theatre Academy, won the Best Cultural Enterprise Award, a category sponsored by the council. South Side Theatre Academy is an award-winning organisation from Surbiton, aiming to break down barriers, empower young people and increase diversity in youth theatre through affordable access to theatrical training. 

The awards gala was held for the first time at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Kingston and  celebrated 48 finalists across 16 categories. The range of awards highlights the role the business community plays in fostering inclusion, engaging communities, driving sustainability and positive customer experiences and improving wellbeing across the borough.

Cllr Andreas Kirsch, the Leader of Kingston Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture, said:

“Kingston Council is committed to giving businesses opportunities to grow and succeed, where individuals can access fair and inclusive employment. We also have a continuous ambition for Kingston to be recognised for its rich heritage, culture and diversity.  

 

“In the year we celebrate Kingston 2025, marking the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of King Athelstan, the first King of England, It was only fitting to sponsor the best Cultural Enterprise Award. By recognising local cultural enterprises like South Side Theatre Academy, as well as the other finalists in this category, we celebrate their contribution to the local economy and their positive impact on our communities.

 

“We are delighted that we had an opportunity to support Kingston Borough Business Awards again and we would like to thank Kingston Chamber of Commerce for organising the event. The awards are an important part of celebrating local businesses and supporting them in showcasing best practice and  impact on our communities. 

 

“I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and nominees and thank them for their remarkable contributions to life in our borough.”

Toby Ward-Smith, Artistic Director of South Side Theatre Academy said he was thrilled to receive the award:

"Just to be nominated, alongside two giants of the Kingston culture scene, in the Rose Theatre and Kingston International Film Festival was incredible, but to win has blown us away. Working with the young people of Kingston is a true privilege and we will never stop being inspired by them. 

 

“This award isn’t just for us - it’s for every young person who dared to dream. Who found their voice in the dark, and who now know that their story matters! Let’s keep creating theatre magic together!"

Forbes Low, Kingston Chamber of Commerce CEO, highlighted the strength of the borough’s businesses:

“In a period of challenges, the finalists in the Kingston Borough Business Awards 2025 have provided inspiration and optimism for the future. We’re proud to celebrate their success and the strength of Kingston’s business landscape. Every year the bar is raised - and every year the business community rises to meet it."

You can find the full list of winners here. 

Kingston Borough Business Awards showcase Kingston as a thriving borough where everyone can succeed. Our Economic Development Strategy for 2024-2028, sets out our ambition for Kingston to be increasingly recognised as a place where business flourishes, where investment is welcome and serves all parts of the borough, with a green economy at the heart. 

Read more about ‘Confident in Kingston,’ the council’s Economic Development Strategy.