The Royal Borough’s business community celebrated a year of success at the glittering 2018 Kingston Business Excellence Awards in association with Willmott Dixon.
The sixth annual awards Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, hosted by founding partners Kingston Council, Kingston Chamber of Commerce and Kingston First, was attended by 270 people at the prestigious Ravens Ait venue on the River Thames on Thursday, 11th October.
Over 11 category awards were presented during the evening, which was hosted by TV journalist Sally Bundock (pictured below), with the premier award, Kingston’s Business of the Year, going to The White House Nursing Home.
Delighted Managing Director, Rahim Nurmohamed (pictured above, centre), who collected the award with his wife and business partner Salima, said it was for all the staff providing end of life care at the Quality Care Commission ‘Outstanding’ rated home.
He commented: “Winning Business of the Year is overwhelming. We are very happy, very proud and very surprised to have won as we were up against a really tough list of fantastic businesses. In an age where care homes always seem to have a bad press, this is a real opportunity for a small community nursing home to shine. The implication for us as a small business in the borough is huge – it really raises our profile. For a small independent like us to win an award like this is a massive step.”
A record 103 entries from a total of 69 businesses entered the awards this year, with the category winners, being chosen after a rigorous two-stage judging process and announced exclusively at the awards ceremony.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston, Councillor Thay Thayalan, praised area’s businesses saying they are the lifeblood of the community. He commented: “It has been great to celebrate the success and achievements of the best of the borough’s businesses. Of course, there are many other local businesses who should also be congratulated for their contribution to employment and prosperity in the borough”.
Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive Officer of Kingston First, the Business Improvement District for Kingston upon Thames added that the awards played an important role in the local business community. She said: “These Awards showcase the incredible commitment and calibre of Kingston’s business community. It’s great to be a part of such an important night focused on celebrating business success. Congratulations to all who were shortlisted and won an award.”
Guests at the Gala Awards Dinner, who included Sir Edward Davey MP for Kingston and Surbiton (pictured below with triple awards-winners Wags N Tales), travelled by boat across the Thames at Surbiton to enjoy a fabulous meal and entertainment at the unique island venue.
Jerry Irving, Chair of Kingston Chamber of Commerce hailed it was another fantastic evening for the Kingston business community. He also thanked all the sponsors who supported the event and made it possible. He said: “Yet another triumphant event showcasing and celebrating the diverse and excellent talent we have across all business sectors in the royal borough. The Chamber is proud to act as their representative”.
Stephen Parker, Company New Business Manager and National Leisure Sector Lead of headline sponsor Willmott Dixon, said the company has close links with the town and was pleased to support the local community and its businesses.
He added: “We are currently building the £41m Town House for Kingston University which will lead the way for regeneration in the borough. But it is not just about the bricks and mortar, we are also a business contractor with a heart that wants to make a difference. We are committed to leaving a positive and lasting legacy for the communities in which we work. So to be here tonight with like-minded businesses is a pleasure – it has been an honour to hear your stories and an honour to read your applications for the awards and it is great to hear you are making a difference.”
*The Kingston Business Excellence Awards were established to celebrate the successes and achievements of the Royal Borough’s vibrant business community. They are sponsored by Willmott Dixon, The Royal Borough of Kingston, Kingston Chamber of Commerce, and Kingston First, British Land and USS, CNM Estates, Kingston College, Kingston University, McDonalds, and Palmer Wealth Management. They are supported by IQinIT, Kingston Burrowes and Warren House.
