Innovative connnectivity company Pangea Connected has been named 2019 Business of the Year at the Kingston Business Excellence Awards in association with Willmott Dixon.
The highly-anticipated winner of winners was announced at the Awards’ Gala Dinner, event-managed by White Label at Raven’s Ait on the River Thames at Kingston on October 10.
Pangea, which creates award-winning, global IoT solutions, had already won Best Small Business, and its founder Dan Cunliffe (pictured above) was named Business Entrepreneur of the Year earlier in the evening.
Dan said: “It’s pretty amazing, we are delighted. Wow! What an achievement. If I could just thank my co-founder Chris Romeika and my other director, Bernie McPhillips, those guys have been great.”
Winners for 2019, which attracted a record number of entries, also included The White House Nursing Home, Spark Joy London, Fortunella Limited, CreateLondon Media, and Holland Hahn & Wills. Genuine Solutions triumphed in three categories. Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness won ‘Best Charity or Social Enterprise’ while 7000 Jars of Beer was voted by the public as the winner of ‘Love Your Local Retailer’.
The announcements were made at a glittering black-tie event where 270 guests enjoyed a welcome drinks reception, a three-course dinner, music and dancing. TV presenter Michael Underwood hosted the evening, which also featured a charity raffle.
Councillor Liz Green, Leader of Kingston Council, said: “Congratulations to all of the 2019 Business Awards winners and many thanks to the partners and sponsors for making the awards happen.”
The Awards would not possible without our Kingston Business Excellence Awards sponsors: CNM Estates, Kingston University, Kingston College, The HR Dept and McDonalds. We also would like to thank our supporters: IQinIT, Insight6, Kingston Burrowes Accountants, DoubleTree by Hilton and our media partner Time & Leisure.
Headline sponsor was Willmott Dixon, who are currently finishing work on Kingston University’s new, landmark Town House building.
Willmott Dixon’s New Business manager, Stephen Parker, said: “Believing in a purpose beyond profit, we have been committed to leaving a lasting legacy for the communities in which we work. Therefore, it is an absolute pleasure to be part of this event for the second year in a row and we were delighted to part of this judging process.
“Along the way, we have come across many fantastic likeminded businesses. Whether they are individual startups, SMEs or even large international companies, for us, it wasn’t about the obvious best, but companies that demonstrate their journey, which best harnesses collaboration and innovation to make a difference to Kingston.”
Founded and organised by partners Kingston Council, Kingston Chamber of Commerce and Kingston First, Kingston Business Excellence Awards winners are chosen following a robust and rigourous judging process including written entries, personal interviews and mystery shoppers.
Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive of Kingston First, said: “The awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the breadth and strength of the Kingston business community and demonstrates the diversity and exceptional standards we have across all business sectors. Most importantly, the awards are a wonderful celebration of the successes and achievements of Kingston businesses. Congratulations to all the shortlisted businesses and winners.”
Having run for many years, gathering prestige and recognition, the Awards are now a firm fixture on the borough’s business calendar.
Forbes Low, Chief Executive, Kingston Chamber of Commerce, said: “Business growth, investment and recognition is vital to the Kingston borough. The Chamber of Commerce is proud of the business energy, commitment and diversity that is here. When businesses are seeking prestige and distinction among their peers, the Kingston Business Excellence Awards provides this platform and opportunity. It is so important to make Kingston a place to work, not just live.”
Dan said: “It’s pretty amazing, we are delighted. Wow! What an achievement. If I could just thank my co-founder Chris Romeika and my other director, Bernie McPhillips, those guys have been great.”
