News & Events 2010

Lambeth Business Awards finalists chosen
11th January 2010

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. 

Does your favourite market trader have the X-Factor?
23 November 2009

Visitors to Brixton and Lower Marsh markets can now vote for their favourite market traders in an X Factor-style public vote that has been organised as part of the 2010 Lambeth Business Awards. Market traders that have registered for the awards are displaying ‘Vote for Me’ signs on their stalls and are encouraging their customers to vote for them. Shoppers can vote for their favourite market traders by texting the trader’s unique number that is displayed on the sign to the shortcode text number 60777, and can vote for as many market stalls as they like – but only their first vote for each trader will count. The six market stalls with the highest number of votes will be shortlisted and visited by the Awards’ judging panel, who will decide which trader wins the coveted title of 2010 Market Trader of the Year.

Speaking on behalf of the awards, Cllr John Kazantzis, Lambeth Council cabinet member for employment and enterprise and Chair of Lambeth First’s Enterprise Development Board said "Like any business, market traders survive by offering a good product and great customer service. It would be easy for us to visit the markets and choose what we think is the best market stall, but we’d rather know what the market’s customers think. We want to know which traders have the best products and offer the best customer service. New votes are being cast every hour, and all votes must be sent by 5pm on 8th January 2010".

The six market traders that record the highest numbers of votes will be shortlisted and invited to the Lambeth Business Awards Gala Ceremony & Dinner at the Oval Cricket Ground on 23rd February 2010, with the winner receiving a share of the awards’ £10,000 cash prize fund.

Lambeth Business Awards 2010 launched
18 September 2009

Local firms are being urged to enter the third annual Lambeth Business Awards with the message “Entering is Free, Winning is Priceless.”
Funded by Lambeth Council and Lambeth First, the awards were officially launched on Friday 18 September at a breakfast reception held at The Deck at The National Theatre.

Last year’s winner of the Innovation award made a highly successful pitch on the Dragons Den TV show. It saw each of the Dragons make a bid for a share of the company and the gadget – which filters out nuisance calls – sold out.
The awards are aimed at local companies of all sizes and covering the widest range of activities. A total of 12 categories can be entered, with winners pitching not only for part of a £10,000 prize fund but also offered invaluable networking opportunities and publicity along the way.

Cllr. John Kazantzis, Lambeth Council cabinet member for employment and enterprise said: “Lambeth is home to an enormous range of independent and innovative businesses, with loyal and appreciative clients. I would urge those customers to pick up the phone or log on to their computers to nominate their favourite business”.

The Lambeth Business Awards 2010 comprise 12 categories. They are:

Lambeth Business of the Year
Best Cultural and Creative Business
Best Green Business
Best Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism Business
Best Employer
Best Social Enterprise
Best Customer Service
Best Woman in Business
Best Young Entrepreneur
Innovation Award,
Best Independant Retailer
Market Trader of the Year

Firms are invited to nominate themselves, and can enter as many categories as they wish, and local residents can nominate their favourite local companies. During the entry period for the awards, companies will also be able to attend a series of marketing workshops designed to help them improve the way they promote themselves and learn tips and tricks for writing a successful entry form.

The entry deadline is 20 November and the winners of the Lambeth Business Awards 2010 will be announced in February 2010. All finalists will be invited to attend a gala dinner and awards ceremony in February 2010, free of charge.


Lambeth Business Award winners enter the Dragon’s Den
14 July 2009

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.