The borough’s flagship business awards are now open for entries following a spectacular launch at Sea Containers’ luxury 12th Knot bar.
Now in their third year, the Southwark Business Excellence Awards, in association with London South Bank University (LSBU), recognise the successes of the borough’s 18,000 businesses.
More than 200 guests attended the launch on January 21, to listen to inspirational speeches and live music from Soulful Sounds. They enjoyed refreshments and drinks from Hiver Beers, last year’s
Independent Retailer of the Year winner. Hiver’s Sophie Napleton told guests: “We were thrilled to win the award. Southwark Business Excellence Awards were so supportive and we were really well looked after. The Award win was the icing on the cake. It led to new business and created amazing new relationships within the community. I would urge you all to apply.”
The Awards programme is organised by White Label on behalf of Southwark Chamber of Commerce and Southwark Council.
Les Johnson, Chairman, Southwark Chamber, said: “The Awards have grown and grown and what has amazed me is the wealth of businesses in Southwark which we wouldn’t be aware of it wasn’t for this. It brings people together. It’s an anchor in the community.”
Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Business and Innovation, added: “The council supports the Southwark Business Excellence Awards in showing the wealth of talent, capacity and willingness of businesses to work with and employ residents and to show the wonderful things business do.”
There are fourteen categories to enter. British Land, Great Portland Estates, Landsec and Lendlease are sponsoring ‘Women in Business’, ‘Contribution to the Community’, ‘Best Employer’ and ‘Independent Retailer’, respectively.
Alison May, Apprenticeships Manager at headline sponsor LSBU, said: “We’re supporting these awards because of our commitment to providing Southwark and south London with the skilled workforce they need. To date we are working with 500 employers and 1600 apprentices are on our programme, making us one of the largest higher and degree apprenticeship providers in the England.”
The finale is a glittering, black-tie Gala Dinner & Charity Ball awards’ presentation on June 25 at Hilton London Bankside.
To enter or to simply find out more CLICK HERE