Kingston Business Awards

The French Table, a Surbiton-based restaurant, was crowned Business of the Year at the Kingston Business Awards, held at Holiday Inn Kingston South on Thursday, November 24th.

But they were just one of 10 companies to take trophies in the various individual categories at the event, organised by South London Business and sponsored by Barclays Business.

The winners were:

BEST SMALL BUSINESS SPONSORED BY THE KINGSTON GUARDIAN: Home Instead Senior Care.

Judges comments: “This really is a franchise with a difference and the difference is the clear dedication to the community and customers. This company provides much-needed care at home for people living in Kingston and surrounding areas, but is led with a caring and careful ethos that ensures the right people are matched with the right customers”.

Claire Jefferies, director/owner of Home Instead Senior Care, said: “With all the news that has just been in the press about the country’s broken care system this award is very gratefully received. It is an honour for our devoted team of carers, who I have heard described as “angels”. Providing care has got to be about what the client needs and providing the most appropriate care, delivered with dignity and respect.”

Highly commended: Clownfish Events. Commended: Kew Lighting & Electrical.

BEST MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS SPONSORED BY HOWELL-JONES LLP: The French Table.

Judges comments: “This local business has achieved recognition and acclaim nationally as a result of an exceptional quality product and standards of service. The proprietors have shown a flair for innovation and are now enjoying well deserved success in expanding their business”.

Sarah Guignard, proprietor of The French Table, said: “We are overwhelmed to win this award and it is great to be recognised as the best medium-sized business in the community. This restaurant is our passion and to win this award is wonderful.”

Highly commended: Databac Group

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY SPONSORED BY YOUR HEALTHCARE CIC: Maple Road Surbiton Farmers Market

Judges comments: “Staffed by unpaid volunteers the market has, in a short space of time, become a firm favourite with the local community, grown its own business and helped five start-ups to establish themselves. It has also given more than £20,00 to local worthy causes, as well as generating a £200,000 increase in revenue for businesses in the same street.”

David Jacobson, committee member for Maple Road Surbiton Farmers’ Market, said: “We had a survey recently in which 99.5 per cent of respondents felt that the market had had a positive effect on Surbiton. It is a big community event that brings local businesses together in a vibrant setting.”

Highly commended: Home Instead Senior Care

BEST BUSINESS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE SPONSORED BY VEOLIA ENVIRONMENT SERVICES: The Antoinette Hotel

Judges comments: “The hotel has an incredible attitude towards customer service and offers a wide range of products. The flexibility of the owner develops trust and loyalty with both staff and customers alike.”

Adam Buzasi, director of The Antoinette Hotel, said: “Being recognised as the best business for customer service is recognition of the hard work and dedication of a team to provide a warm welcome to each and every one of its guests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Highly commended: Clownfish Events

BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER: Shoes at Last

Judges comments: The judges recognise the challenge of running any business in a recession but, for retail businesses, there is not only the recession to contend with but also competition from online sales. This year’s winner exemplifies all that is great about being independent – a great concept, quality products and first-class customer service.”

Sarah Taylor of Shoes at Last said: “We are an independent retailer in Maple Road selling shoes. I would like to thank all of the other businesses and the market in Maple Road because it is the support of everyone there that keeps us going. I am really pleased because we have worked really hard to get this award.”

Highly commended: Hair by Mitch. Commended: Kew Lighting and Electrical.

BEST TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT SPONSORED BY KINGSTON UNIVERSITY: YMCA London South West

Judges comments: “This organisation demonstrates an impressive commitment to training and development designed to benefit both the organisation and the individual. The systematic use of appraisal and personal development planning, combined with learning opportunities delivered via a range of informal and formal learning methods, are designed to ensure the delivery of the YMCA’s core business by staff who are committed to the core values and ethos of the organisation.”

Gloria Ssali, learning and development manager for YMCA South West said: “We are so proud and this award is recognition for our values and ethos as well as the investment in our staff who are the people who make the YMCA what it is.”

BEST BUSINESS FOR SUSTAINABILITY SPONSORED BY NPS GROUP: Physio & Therapy

Judges comments: “The winning company has embraced and adopted sustainability, not only in their work ethic but operationally and through customer satisfaction. They have an incredible attitude towards the environment and carefully review each area of their business to ensure this meets the needs for their customer service. The owner showed how his own ethic develops trust and loyalty with both staff and customers alike.”

Paul Hobrough, a physio for Physio & Therapy, said: “There are more than 40,000 physios in the UK but you don’t often see phsyios winning an award such as this so it means everything to us. It is fantastic. We have shown what can be achieved with the motto: “If not you then who, if not now then when.”

Highly commended: The Cast Iron Theatre Company

KINGSTON’S FAVOURITE BUSINESS SPONSORED BY KINGSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: The Terrace Eatery.

Judges comments: “The winning company is family owned and has an excellent reputation and loyal following. Despite recent extension’s, this business still regularly has customers queueing up to buy. The owner was able to provide lots of examples of customer satisfaction – and this was also reflected in the high number of telephone votes received from the public.”

Lisa Gagliani, chief executive of Kingston Chamber of Commerce, who collected the award because Terrace Eatery owner Gengiz Arif was unable to attend, said: “The Terrace Eatery is a worthy winner of the Business of the Year Award. Having a fresh sandwich or salad from here is always worth it.”

Highly commended: The French Table. Commended: Food for Thought.

BEST NEW BUSINESS: Hair by Mitch

Judges comments: “Starting a business is never easy, but starting a business during a recession is even more challenging. Hair by Mitch has become an integral part of its community, provides excellent customer service and has developed into a profitable successful business.”

Michelle Morrice, owner of Hair by Mitch, said: “I would like to thank my wonderful team who have been so supportive over the past three years. If it wasn’t for Cookie Hadi there would never have been Hair by Mitch so I would like to thank her, my friends and family for all their support.”

Highly commended: Physio and More. Commended: The Peer Massage Project, Your Healthcare CIC.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY PARKER CAR SERVICE: Barney Dorman

Judges comments: “Not many business owners can explain how a photography studio can morph into what has become the maestro of chimney lining. Barney Dorman is a true entrepreneur, taking risks with a new venture, giving it his best and still having the courage to go in a new direction when he discovers an opportunity where his talents can achieve greater reward.”

Barney Dorman, of The Cast Iron Fireplace Company, said: “It has been a massive journey. I am lost for words but it has been confirmation that all of our 90-hour weeks over the past six years have been worth it. Winning this award shows that we are doing well and I am so grateful to all our customers and staff who have also worked long and hard to help the business to be successful.”

Highly commended: Keith Hern (Keith Hern Photography), Marion Adams (Adams & Adams).

A Surbiton restaurant run by a husband and wife team was crowned as Business of the Year at the Kingston Business Awards, sponsored by Barclays Business and organised by South London Business.

The high-level cooking and outstanding service provided by Eric and Sarah Guignard persuaded judges to give The French Table the top prize at a glittering awards ceremony at the Holiday Inn Kingston South on Thursday, November 24^th.

Sarah, who runs the front of house, said: “It is wonderful to win this award after 10 years of being in business together. Eric is the businessman and the dynamic man behind the stove. I love working to make everyone who comes into the restaurant happy.

“I would like to thank Barclays Business for sponsoring the award and everybody in the community and Maple Road for their support.”

Eric, who trained in Paris and has worked at a number of Michelin star restaurants, added: “We love cooking and we love satisfying people. Business should be about pleasure and working alongside my wife and our great team certainly makes it a pleasure.”

Sarah and Eric were presented with their Business of the Year Award by Thorsten Seeger, Regional Business Director (London South) for Barclays Business.

On behalf of the judges, he said: “Since this business was opened, it has received great reviews in newspapers and magazines and immense popularity in the area. The French Table places great emphasis on customer service and aims to provide what their customers need”.

“They have created job opportunities and provide excellent training to their staff. The flexibility of the owners develops trust and loyalty with both staff and customers alike.”

The French Table also took the Award for Best Medium Sized Business, sponsored by Howell-Jones LLP, to add to the rave reviews and plaudits they have enjoyed in the past. In 2010 it was named as Best London Restaurant in the Good Food Guide 2010.

It was a great night for the businesses in Maple Road, Surbiton, as they took the commitment to the community award, which received two other awards in addition to The French Table’s success.

Maple Road Surbiton Farmers’ Market, which is held on the third Friday every month, took the award for Commitment to the Community, having raised nearly £20,000 for community causes in little over two years since its creation.

Meanwhile, Shoes at Last, a fashion boutique selling high-quality leather goods, shoes, handbags, accessories and a small collection of clothes, took the award for Best Independent Retailer.

All of the prizes were presented at a Gala Awards Ceremony at the Holiday Inn, Kingston South, where guests attended a drinks reception, sponsored by Beacon Organisational Development. Attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course meal and were able to take part in a raffle and silent auction, hosted by radio presenter James Cannon, with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s chosen charities.

The Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Patrick Codd, said: “We have, in Kingston, a remarkably good business sector which has changed dramatically over the years. When I first arrived here there were lots of factories but now we have an outstanding university, an enormous retail sector and a huge diversity of businesses across the board.

“The positive face of the borough comes through what the businesses represented at the Kingston Business Awards achieve and for that we are very grateful indeed.”

Bob Scott, Chairman of South London Business said: “To have such an excellent competition and a full house is amazing. It is the business community that is going to lead this country out of these difficult times. Thirty-five businesses were shortlisted for these awards and they are all winners.”

Thorsten Seeger, representing main sponsor Barclays Business, said: “Kingston is one of the most dynamic and vibrant boroughs in London. The university and college help us to get a well educated workforce and these awards are a great way of celebrating the success of local business.

“There are some fantastic entries this year and it was very hard to choose winners but all of the nominated companies are already winners. The passion and confidence that everyone who has entered has displayed  the key to business success.”

For more information on the Awards visit www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk

There is still time to book your place at the biggest business networking event of the year – the Kingston Business Awards, in association with Barclays.

Held at the Holiday Inn, Kingston South, on Thursday, November 24^th, the Kingston Business Awards Gala Ceremony and Dinner will attract hundreds of businessmen and women for the highlight of the 2011 business calendar.

The evening commences in style with a drinks reception, sponsored by Beacon Organisational Development, and will be followed by a delicious three-course meal and the awards ceremony.

There will be the opportunity to meet with key sponsors and winners as well as hundreds of other key local companies as Kingston’s business community joins together to celebrate the borough’s business success stories.

The Awards are organised by South London Business, working with the support of Kingston Chamber of Commerce, and will be compered by James Cannon, co-host of the weekday breakfast slot on London’s classic hits station Capital Gold.

As well as announcing the award winners, James will host a raffle and silent auction during dinner, with all proceeds going to the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Patrick Codd’s chosen charities.

Entries have now closed for this year’s Awards, and judges are busily drawing up shortlists for the 12 awards up for grabs.

Categories cover businesses of all sizes; they include recognition for outstanding achievement in the fields of customer service, innovation and community support.

Ross Feeney, Business Awards director, said: “This occasion provides the ideal opportunity for showcasing excellence and the benefit that recognition brings to the growth and development of all Kingston businesses.

“We welcome all business professions to join us at this event, which always has a great community feel as all Kingston businesses join together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our award winners and runners-up.”

Thorsten Seeger, Regional Business Director for Barclays Business in South London said: “There are many innovative and successful businesses in Kingston and we believe the awards are a great opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The wealth of local talent is very impressive and Barclays Business is proud to be the sponsor of the Kingston Business Awards 2011.”

Other backers of the Awards include Tesco, Kingston University London, NPS Group and Parker Cars.

To book tickets to the gala dinner and awards ceremony, priced £79.50 for a standard ticket or £750 for a table of 10, please visit www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk

For more information please contact the Business Awards Team on 020 8253 4256 or email kingstonawards@southlondonbusiness.co.uk

Book your place at the biggest business networking event of the year – the Kingston Business Awards, in association with Barclays.

Held at the Holiday Inn, Kingston South, on Thursday, November 24^th, the Kingston Business Awards Gala Ceremony and Dinner will attract hundreds of businessmen and women for the highlight of the 2011 business calendar.

The evening commences in style with a drinks reception, sponsored by Beacon Organisational Development, and will be followed by a delicious three-course meal and the awards ceremony.

There will be the opportunity to meet with key sponsors and winners as well as hundreds of other key local companies as Kingston’s business community joins together to celebrate the borough’s business success stories.

The event will be compered by award-winning radio phone-in host Clive Bull.

As well as announcing the award winners, Clive will host a raffle and silent auction during dinner, with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s chosen charities.

Clive enjoyed an extraordinary rapport with his audience during more than 30 years of presenting his Sunday to Thursday evening show on LBC 97.3FM.

Peter Cook was a regular caller to his original late night show, which was immortalised in a TV documentary, and Clive has since pickled up a Sony award and been voted Best Talk Show Host at the New York Festival.

There is still time to enter the Awards, which are organised by South London Business, working with the support of Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

All the awards are free to enter and open to any business based in the borough of Kingston. Businesses have until Friday, September 2^nd to enter.

A total of 12 different awards are up for grabs, covering businesses of all sizes; they include recognition for outstanding achievement in the fields of customer service, innovation and community support.

Ross Feeney, Business Awards director, said: “This occasion provides the ideal opportunity for showcasing excellence and the benefit that recognition brings to the growth and development of all Kingston businesses.

“We welcome all business professions to join us at this event, which always has a great community feel as all Kingston businesses join together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our award winners and runners-up.”

Thorsten Seeger, Regional Business Director for Barclays Business in South London said: “There are many innovative and successful businesses in Kingston and we believe the awards are a great opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The wealth of local talent is very impressive and Barclays Business is proud to be the sponsor of the Kingston Business Awards 2011.”

The Awards are free to enter and open to any business based in the borough of Kingston. They aim to recognise forward-looking and innovative firms and individuals who have demonstrated commitment and determination to drive their businesses forward.

Other backers of the Awards include Tesco, Kingston University London, NPS Group and Parker Cars.

Tickets to the gala dinner and awards ceremony are on sale now. To book tickets for the event, priced £79.50 for a standard ticket or £750 for a table of 10, please visit www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk

For more information please contact the Business Awards Team on 020 8253 4256 or email kingstonawards@southlondonbusiness.co.uk

The Kingston Business Awards has always gained attention from top companies, and this year is no exception as Barclays Bank are headline sponsors for the 2011 event.

Thorsten Seeger, Regional Business Director for Barclays Business in South London said: “Kingston has a vibrant business community and there are many innovative and successful businesses in the borough. We believe the awards are a great opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The wealth of local talent is very impressive and Barclays Business is proud to be the headline sponsor of the Kingston Business Awards 2011.”

The annual awards, developed by South London Business, in partnership with the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, have already attracted Tesco, Kingston University London and NPS Group as supporters as well as key local companies, including Parker Cars who have confirmed that they will be backing the Entrepreneur of the Year category.

Joe Polley at Parker Cars said: “Parker Car Service is proud to sponsor the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. I started Parker Car Service from my kitchen table 21 years ago and it has now grown to a firm that employs over 350 people serving the taxi and chauffeur requirements of countless corporate businesses, local and national government as well as the general public. On that journey I have been inspired by the courage that I see in business. This country benefits from the creativity and innovation of a broad base of entrepreneurs who invest in their own talents and ability and especially those of others.

“I feel it is important that we should celebrate and honour the best of these business adventurers to encourage them and the rest of the local business community to greater excellence.”

All the awards are free to enter and open to any business based in the borough of Kingston. Businesses have until Friday, September 2nd to enter the awards, and the winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Ceremony in November.

Full details on how to enter and regular updates on the awards can be found at: www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk

The search has started for the best businesses in Kingston as the 2011 Kingston Business Awards aim to discover and showcase the borough’s finest businessmen and women.

South London Business, which organises the Kingston Business Awards in partnership with Kingston Chamber of Commerce, officially launched the programme of awards on Thursday, July 7th at a Chamber Networking Breakfast at the Kingston Gate, attended by more than 50 local businesses.

Lisa Gagliani, chief executive of Kingston Chamber of Commerce which is sponsoring a unique ‘customer-driven’ category, Kingston’s Favourite Business, where companies are voted for by their own clients, said: “Business Awards are a fantastic tool for businesses, both large and small, to push themselves to the front and get noticed.

“I would encourage all local businesses to enter and make sure they make best use of this invaluable opportunity to acquire some free promotion.”

The 2011 Kingston Business Awards have already attracted strong backing from local companies, including key sponsors NPS South East Ltd and Kingston University.

Denise Cooper, from Kingston University, said: “The University is part of the community of Kingston and it is really important to us to support local businesses. We are at the heart of the community and want to build ever stronger links with Kingston businesses.”

Neil Smart from NPS Ltd said he was proud to be supporting the awards for the second time. “We sponsored the Kingston Business Awards in 2010 and thought they were a great event. They are a fantastic way for businesses to promote themselves and I am looking forward to the 2011 awards being equally successful.”

The awards are free to enter and open to any business based in the borough of Kingston. Companies have until Friday, September 2nd to enter the awards which will culminate with a Gala Awards Ceremony in November. All finalists will be automatically entered to represent Kingston in the 2012 South London Business Awards.

A total of 12 different awards are up for grabs, covering businesses of all sizes; they include recognition for outstanding achievement in the fields of customer service, innovation and community support.

Full details on how to enter and regular updates on the awards can be found at: www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk.

For further press information, please contact:
Jo Gumb,
email: jo.gumb@whitelabelpublishing.co.uk
Tel: 020 8726 7968 (office)
07894 704819 (mobile)

The Kingston Business Awards 2010 in association with Antoinette Hotels are heading towards a successful conclusion with 46 different organisations shortlisted across eleven categories.

The inaugural awards are being run by South London Business in partnership with Kingston Council and Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

Peter Pledger, South London Business Chief Executive, said: “We organise these awards because we are committed to promoting and supporting the businesses in our community. It is great to see so many companies, large and small, being so successful and rightfully being recognised and shortlisted for their dedication and hard work.”

John Mumford, Economic Development & Regeneration Co-ordinator, Kingston Council, said: “I’d like to congratulate all those businesses that are shortlisted and look forward to meeting them at what I’m sure will be a sparkling awards ceremony on 25 November. Kingston Council truly values the vitally important contribution local businesses make to our community and it is a real inspiration to see what can be achieved in these challenging times.”

The awards, launched in May, showcase and reward businesses ranging from one person operations to companies employing more than 100 people; and from firms whose clients are drawn from the local community to those with international customers.

The businesses in the running for this year’s awards cover internet-based services, restaurants, retail premises, security services, florists, solicitors and a theatre.

Companies were able to nominate themselves and customers and the general public were also invited to send in their nominations. Entry to the awards was free and there was no restriction on the number of categories in which firms could be entered.

The awards are sponsored by Antoinette Hotels, Kingston University, Beacon Organisational Development Limited, NPS Group, Your Healthcare CIC, Lloyds TSB, Howell Jones LLP and Kingston Workstart.  The awards media partners are Time and Leisure.

The winning businesses, due to be announced at a showcase ‘Oscar’ ceremony on 25 November 2010 will each receive valuable publicity. The awards evening also gives all the participants an added opportunity to network with other local firms.  If you would like to attend the dinner, celebrate and network in style, individual tickets are £79.50 + VAT and a table of 10 is £750 + VAT.

Please contact the Business Awards team on 020 8253 4234 for further information.

Local firms are being urged to enter the inaugural 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 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.