Nine local companies were recognised at the second annual Kingston Business Awards Thursday night for outstanding performance in multiple facets of their industries.
The ceremony celebrated local businesses that have helped stimulate the economy by creating new opportunities and job growth and awarding those for their significant contributions to the borough.
The awards are seen to be a crucial event for supporting local businesses, especially in the current economic climate, to encourage further development and to foster relationships with entrepreneurs.
Julie Leggatt , member of South London Business, said “these awards are important to try to keep everyone positive and to show that it is not all doom and gloom. This celebration is a bit of a reward for all the hard work they put in.”
Barclays in partnership with South London Business sponsored the 2011 Kingston Business Awards to demonstrate their commitment to local companies.
Contrary to reports that banks are not lending enough money to stimulate the economy, Barclays hopes that sponsoring the awards will encourage entrepreneurs to apply for loans.
Paul Giltname, 44, Barclays Business Manager said “we lend money to support local businesses and to meet local people and find out the concerns local businesses are facing.”
In the past year Barclays has lent £33bn to local companies across the UK and approves four out of every five loan applications, “which translates into one approval for every four minutes of every working day.”
Two hundred guests attended the awards, some guests representing their shortlisted companies while others attending as event sponsors. Out of 180 companies that applied for recognition in ten categories ranging from Business of the Year to Best Small Business, 35 companies were shortlisted.
Winner of Business of the Year was The French Table, a French restaurant located in Surbiton run by husband and wife team, Eric and Sarah Guignard.
When asked about the significance of his award, Eric Guignard stated, “I love business, I love cooking, I like satisfying food, eating and drinking. You do what you have to do for your business but your business should be about pleasure.”
The other categories and winners include:
Best small business – Home Instead Senior Care
Best medium sized business – The French Table
Commitment to the community – Maple Road Surbiton Farmers Market
Best business for customer service – Antoinette Hotels
Best independent retailer – Shoes at Last
Best Training and Development – YMCA London South West
Best business for sustainability – Physio & Therapy UK
Kingston’s favorite business – The Terrace Eatery
Best new business – Hair by Mitch
