Kingston’s business stars take centre stage

The Kingston Borough Business Awards, which are delivered by Kingston Chamber of Commerce, with the Headline sponsor Kingston University, aim to turn the spotlight on the vital role local businesses play in the economic and community life of the borough.

They recognise the outstanding achievements, innovation and impact of local businesses, educational institutions and social enterprises.

More than 200 guests attended the awards gala in the historic All Saints Church in Kingston to celebrate the finalists and winners across 15 categories.

The range of awards highlighted the role the business community plays in fostering inclusion, engaging communities, driving sustainability and positive customer experiences and improving wellbeing across the borough.

Among the winners was local youth work charity Oxygen which was recognised for its vital work and positive engagement with young people across the borough, in the Removing Barriers awardsponsored by the council.

The Removing Barriers Champions award was presented to Oxygen on the night by Councillor Alison Holt, Deputy Leader of Kingston Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Leisure.

Councillor Holt said: “Removing barriers is something all businesses in our borough should aspire to do.

“Kingston Council works closely with partners including many in the business community to create a fairer borough, where opportunities to succeed are accessible to all.

“We are passionate about supporting Kingston Borough Business Awards, they are an important part of celebrating local businesses and supporting them to showcase best practice.

“I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and nominees and thank them for their remarkable contributions to life in our borough.

"I would also like to thank Kingston Chamber of Commerce for organising the event."

Oxygen is a local charity that works with hundreds of young people across Kingston Upon Thames.

It has been recognised for the vital work towards fairer and safer Kingston by supporting young people to be happy, safe and successful by removing barriers, creating opportunities and providing and enabling care and support where and when it is needed.

John Trend, Chief Executive of Oxygen, said: "Oxygen is honoured and delighted to have been recognised for our work by winning the Removing Barriers Champions Award.

“In the last two years, Oxygen has received over 280 referrals of young people needing support, many of whom are struggling to overcome the challenges they face.”

The annual awards took place on Thursday, February 22.

The full list of winners:

• Best Charity/Social Enterprise AwardCreative Youth Charity

• Best Freelancer/Sole Trader AwardAnnie Armitage

• Best Health and Wellbeing Provider AwardYour Healthcare CIC

• Best Independent Local Retailer AwardSage’s Health Store

• Best in Digital Communications AwardBusiness Clan

• Best in Property of the Year AwardHarrison Jacks

• Best in Sport and Fitness Award - Be Happy Yoga

• Excellence in Professional Services AwardDitton HR

• Best Start-Up of the Year Award - Social Blox

• Developing Young People’s Skills AwardAchieving for Children –Pathways and Progress team (EBP)

• Excellence in Customer Experience AwardThe White House Nursing Home

• Excellence in Hospitality Award - The Wych Elm

• Outstanding Business Social Impact AwardChessington World of Adventures Resort

• Outstanding Green Business Champion AwardAuLaw Organic Farm UK CIC

• Removing Barriers Champions Award - Oxygen