South London’s leading business awards are open for entries after a spectacular launch at the luxury Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard.
The 2019 Southwark Business Excellence Awards in association with London South Bank University – designed to recognise the successes and achievements of the borough’s 18,000 businesses – aim to build on the huge success of 2018’s inaugural programme.
More than 200 guests and sponsors packed the 34th floor of London’s iconic landmark on 24th January to hear details and inspirational speeches at a sparkling drinks and canape launch, sponsored by Willmott Dixon, with craft beer supplied by Fourpure brewery.
Welcoming everyone to the event, the Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Rajesh Agrawal (pictured below) hailed the importance of Southwark’s vast business community to the City’s economic health.
He said, “Southwark is home to many vibrant and dynamic businesses which make an important contribution to London’s economy. Seeing so many at this launch demonstrates once again that London remains a great place to start and grow a business.”
Launch guests also heard inspiring speeches from Southwark Chamber Chairman Peter Mantell and Southwark Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Innovation, Councillor Kieron Williams, as well as Stephen Parker, Company New Business Manager of launch event sponsor, Willmott Dixon.
Patrick Bailey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Headline Sponsor, London South Bank University (pictured below) told guests, “LSBU was founded in Southwark over 125 years ago by the people and institutions of the borough. Our mission back then, and remains still, to be able to provide high quality professional and technical education and support for local employers. We are proud to sponsor these awards and to highlight our commitment to the people and businesses of Southwark.”
The second annual Southwark awards programme features 14 updated entry categories specifically designed to appeal to the borough’s wide range of businesses. Free and easy to enter online, there is even an opportunity for local people to Nominate a Business they feel ought to be recognised.
Urging entrepreneurs to get involved, 2018’s first Business of the Year winner Melissa Harwood, owner of East Dulwich restaurant Spinach, told launch guests, “Winning and the recognition it has given us was a real confidence boost. I would absolutely encourage all businesses to enter in 2019 – for us, it has been great for business, great for our community and a real morale booster for staff.” Melissa is now in the process of opening a second restaurant.
The finale of the awards programme – which involves a rigorous and independent judging process – will be the glittering, black-tie Gala Dinner & Charity Ball awards ceremony for 450 people this summer, hosted by ITV Good Morning Britain presenter Michael Underwood.
The 2019 Awards programme is sponsored by: Event Partners, Southwark Chamber of Commerce, and Southwark Council, as well as London South Bank University (LSBU – Headline Sponsor), British Land, Delancey, Galliard Homes & Aviva, Great Portland Estates, Landsec, Lendlease, London College of Communication, UAL and Willmott Dixon. They are supported by Fourpure Brewing Co., Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard and Media Partners, Southwark News, and is organised by White Label Events.
Businesses can enter up to three categories for free from the list below, with the exception of Business of the Year which is chosen by the judges. Please note, last year’s winners are excluded from entering the same category again in 2019.
For more details and information on the categories and how to enter visit: www.southwarkawards.co.uk
