News & Events

11th January 2010 - Lambeth Business Awards finalists chosen

A full list will be available shortly through the South London Press

The Lambeth Business Awards 2010 are heading towards a successful conclusion with 52 different organisations shortlisted across eleven categories.

“I am delighted with the number and high standard of entries to this year’s Lambeth Business Awards. This terrific result emphasises not only the strength of local business in the borough, but also the sheer innovation, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit to be found here,” said John Kazantzis, Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise at Lambeth Council, and Co-Chair of the Lambeth First Enterprise Board.

The awards, launched in September, showcase and reward businesses ranging from one person operations to companies employing more than 100 people; and from firms whose clients are drawn from the local community to those with international customers.

The businesses in the running for this year’s awards cover internet-based services, restaurants, retail premises, those offering training for young people, design studios, a farm and a theatre company, as well as fostering and childcare.

Companies were able to nominate themselves and customers and the general public were also invited to send in nominations. Entry to the Awards was free and there was no restriction on the number of categories in which firms could be entered.

A number of companies have been shortlisted in a number of categories. Catherine Shaw, founder of bespoke women’s dress design company Albone and Trimit said: “When I first heard that I had been selected as a finalist in the Best Cultural and Creative category I literally wept with joy. I was so very excited and delighted that my company had reached this stage.”

Elizabeth Parbutt, Marketing Director of South Bank Employers’ Group, says: “We are very excited to have been shortlisted in the Best Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism category as we believe our marketing efforts and innovation have played a critical role in enticing visitors to spend time and money here, which ultimately supports the local economy and job market.”

For French creperie La Petite Bretagne Antoine Detrie commented: "I am delighted to have been shortlisted for the Best Young Entrepreneur award. For me, it is already a reward because it shows the efforts I have undertaken and my originality and quality have been recognised. It is also a motivation to go even further!”

The Awards are run by Lambeth Council and funded by Lambeth First – the Borough’s local strategic partnership which brings local organisations together to drive and shape enterprise in Lambeth. The Awards are sponsored by Lambeth College, London South Bank University, A4E, MJF Corporate Guarding and Business Link. The Awards media partner’s are South London Press and Colourful Radio.

The winning businesses, due to be announced at a showcase ‘Oscar’ ceremony on Tuesday February 23, will each receive a share of a £10,000 cash prize fund and valuable publicity. The awards process also gives all the participants an added opportunity to network with other local firms. 

winners enter the Dragon’s Den

Lambeth Council’s Business Awards has proved that it can be a springboard for success as one of this year’s winners is showcased on TV. Truecall, winner of the 2009 Innovation Award will appear on BBC2’s Dragons Den on Wednesday (July 15) in a bid to get financial backing from the Dragons.

The company has already had a successful slot on the QVC shopping channel – the product was a sell out and was available on a waiting list basis only. Company partner John Price said there was a notable spike in sales when the business awards were mentioned - their winner’s trophy was also on display on set. Their product, the Truecall Unit, filters out nuisance phone calls.

On being awarded the Lambeth Business Award Steve Smith, Truecall partner said; “With any new product people are wary. To have an endorsement like this is very important”.

John Kazantzis, Lambeth Council cabinet member for employment and enterprise commented: “I am delighted to hear that Truecall is going from strength to strength. This is exactly what the Lambeth Business Awards is all about. It provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and to encourage and inspire those considering setting up in business”.

The Lambeth business awards are an annual ceremony honouring the 11 best enterprises in the borough. It is co-sponsored by Lambeth Council in partnership with Lambeth First - the borough’s strategic local partnership and media partner -South London Press.   

25th February 2009 - And the winner is …Lambeth firms enjoy their Oscar night
Following hard on the heels of Hollywood’s Academy Awards, Lambeth businesses have enjoyed their own ‘Oscar’ celebration.

A glittering event at the Brit Oval this week paid tribute to the winners of the second annual Lambeth Business Awards, run by Lambeth Council and organised by South London Business.

More than 300 guests were on the edge of their seats for the award announcement – made in traditional reverse order – by host Declan Curry, BBC Business presenter. Referring to the current recession he said: “It’s never been more important to be good in business.”

The biggest cheer went up for the announcement of Business of the Year 2009 – an award chosen by the judging panel from the winners of the other 11 categories, and sponsored by Lambeth Council. The coveted award went to Solarcentury, which had earlier picked up the award for Best Green Business.

Charlotte Webster, Head of Public Relations, at Solarcentury, which designs and installs solar power for buildings, said: "This award is the biggest recognition for all-round achievement. We want to be successful in solar but also as an employer and an innovator. The key to success in sustainability is success in business."

Derrick Anderson, Lambeth Council Chief Executive commented: “Lambeth has a vibrant, creative and diverse business community. This competition honours the sheer determination, acumen and savvy of successful businesses operating in this difficult economic climate. I hope that those honoured will be an inspiration to fledging companies and people contemplating setting up in business.”

The awards are co-sponsored by Lambeth Council, Lambeth First - the borough’s strategic local partnership, Lambeth College, London South Bank University, and media partner -South London Press.

The other category award winners, highly commended and commended firms were:

Best Cultural and Creative Business – sponsored by City Screen
Winner: Alchemy Events
Highly Commended: JP Creative
Commended: Okido Studio

Best Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism Business – sponsored by Lambeth College
Winner: Schmidt’s
Highly Commended: Opus & Upstairs
Commended: Tsunami Restaurant

Best Young Entrepreneur – sponsored by Lambeth College
Winner: Claire Morton - Alchemy Events
Highly Commended: Tahir Fayyaz - Urban Retro
Commended: Carla Campbell – Instant Melodies

Best Social Enterprise – sponsored by London South Bank University Winner: Banya Family Placement Agency
Highly Commended: Southbank Mosaics CIC
Commended: Mr & Miss Black and Beautiful

Best Retailer – sponsored by Morrisons
Winner: Beamish & McGlue
Highly Commended: Big Squid
Commended: The Film Lounge

Best Green Business – sponsored by London Development Agency Winner: Solarcentury
Highly Commended: Pli Design
Commended: Ganesha

Best Employer – sponsored by London South Bank University
Winner: Fusion Glass
Highly Commended: Political Lobbying & Media Relations
Commended: JP Creative

Best Women in Business – sponsored by Tribal
Winner: Jeannette Pritchard – JP Creative
Highly Commended: Serena White – Fats Fitness
Commended: Claire Morton – Alchemy Events

Best Innovation – sponsored by London Knowledge Innovation Centre Winner: TruCall
Highly Commended: Paul Wayne Gregory
Commended: Solarcentury

Best Customer Service – sponsored by Business Link London
Winner: Pimlico Plumbers
Highly Commended: Fusion Glass
Commended: Tatersall Training

Best Market Trader – sponsored by South London Press
Winner: Terry Beeke
Highly Commended: Michael Gregory
Commended: Clive Bell