Bexley’s premier business awards saw a 43% increase in entries in 2019 with a record number going through to the next round of judging.
The 7th annual Bexley Business Excellence Awards in association with Ocado – organised by White Label for event partners London Borough of Bexley and Bexley for Business – attracted entries from 85 companies across every sector of the local business community.
The senior adjudicator Paul Hadfield, who drew up the shortlist says the range and strength of the submissions from local businesses shows “Bexley’s economy is growing.”
Business and management consultant, Mr Hadfield, commented: “There are some excellent examples among the entries of fast-growing businesses who are trading nationally and internationally, showing that Bexley’s economy is flourishing and has potential to grow significantly.”
He added: “The customer service award was a particularly strong category including fantastic new food, care, health and beauty businesses who are raising the bar when it comes to providing excellent services in Bexley.”
Mr Hadfield also praised the many businesses in Bexley “loved by local people” that are an important part of the fabric of Bexley`s community. He said many businesses are committed to employing local people, caring for local communities, training young people and developing staff: “There are excellent examples of businesses, social enterprises and charities which are doing fantastic work to support the local community, helping young people and supporting education and training.”
A new award for 2019, Love Your Local Business, which celebrates independent local traders across Bexley’s district centres, is the only one with a public vote. It gives local people the chance to support their favourite local trader shortlisted in this category. These public votes will count strongly towards the judging panel’s final decision on the overall category winner. Visit the website www.bexleyawards.co.uk for more details. The closing date for public votes is Friday, 3rd May.
All shortlisted companies will be invited to submit a second round application form by 3rd May, before the judging day interviews take place at the Thames Innovation Centre (TIC) on Wednesday, 22nd May.
The category awards and the overall Business of the Year title will be presented at a sparkling, black-tie Gala Awards Dinner and Awards Ceremony in June.
The 2019 Awards are sponsored by: Ocado; Event Partners London Borough of Bexley and Bexley for Business; Aitch Group; Crayford Greyhound Track; ITRM Ltd.; Kimmicass, Learning and Enterprise College Bexley; London South East Colleges; Peabody; Sidcup Partners Ltd; and Waterman Group. They are supported by the Bexley Times, Insight6, Holiday Inn London, Maid on a Mission, Mobile Bar Hire and Northgate Public Services.
www.bexleyawards.co.uk
