South London Business Awards finalists chosen
29th March 2010
The South London Business Awards 2010 are heading towards a successful conclusion with 58 different organisations shortlisted across eleven categories.
“This terrific result emphasises not only the strength of local business in London south of the Thames, but also the sheer innovation, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit to be found here,” said Peter Pledger, chief executive of South London Business which runs the awards.
Sponsored by HSBC, the awards showcase and reward businesses ranging from one-person operations to companies employing more than 100 people; 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, finance and property management, communications, home care, those offering training and education, health and fitness and even a magician.
Companies were able to nominate themselves and customers and the general public were also invited to send in nominations. Entry to the Awards was free and there was no restriction on the number of categories in which firms could be entered.
A number of companies have found themselves shortlisted by the judges in more than one category; firms like Menzies, chartered accountants with offices in Kingston, are finalists in both the Best Large Business and Best Business for Training and Development categories. For the company, Managing Partner Andrew Denley says:
“We were so pleased to be shortlisted for two of this year’s award categories, especially the Training and Development Award as this reflected the continued investment in our people throughout a deep recession. The easy saving would have been to cut investment but instead we have increased our commitment to our training and development programmes to make sure we are best placed to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise as the South London economy recovers.”
For Masons Catering, a Deptford-based company shortlisted in the Entrepreneur of the Year category Paul Read comments:
“It's brilliant to be short listed for this award. We're a small hardworking team and to receive recognition for what's been achieved in the last three and a half years makes all those early starts and aching legs worthwhile!”
Another contender for Entrepreneur of the Year is Theo Theodoris, an entertainer who trades under the name of Theo the Magician. He says:
“This is the first time I have entered anything like this. It would be truly Magical for me … I'll keep rubbing my Magic Wand until 19th May 2010.”
This is when the lucky firms will be announced at a glittering Oscar-style dinner to be held in a lavish marquee on the pitch at Selhurst Park, home to Crystal Palace Football Club.
The full list of categories for this year’s awards is:
Best Small Business
Best Medium Sized Business
Best Large Business
Best Business for Customer Service
Best Business for Innovation
Best Business for International Trade
Best Business for Training & Development
Best Business for Marketing
Best Business for Sustainability
Best New Business
Entrepreneur of the Year
The Awards are organised by South London Business. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Julie Leggatt on 020 8253 4231 or email awards@southlondonbusiness.co.uk
