Best of Royal Greenwich Business Award winners

Following months of anticipation, the exceptional Best of Royal Greenwich Business Award winners were revealed at the prestigious awards ceremony on Friday 7 February. Over 330 local entrepreneurs, business owners, investors and stakeholders attended the annual event at InterContinental London – The O2 to celebrate local businesses’ success and hard work.

Royal Greenwich’s rich diversity was reflected in the list of finalists. With 47% of the shortlisted businesses female-led and 51% of businesses owned by people from a range of backgrounds including African, Caribbean, Chinese and Indian heritage.

This year’s event was sponsored by LandsecU+I and the South East London Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Ayesha Hazarika, a political commentator, writer and comedian. The top accolade of Business of the Year went to Inclusive Stories Ltd, who provide unique subscription boxes filled with diverse children’s books and sensory fidget toys specifically designed for families raising autistic children. They won £3,000 for a project of their choice.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Huge congratulations to our winners and finalists, who have achieved amazing things over the last year.

“Royal Greenwich is a world-class place for businesses to establish themselves and grow. Our vision is to create an inclusive economy that works for everyone and does not leave anyone behind. Local businesses are vital in creating prosperity for local people and we want to thank them for their important contributions to Royal Greenwich”

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports – and Head Judge – said: “It was wonderful to celebrate our incredible winners and finalists at the ceremony on Friday. Competition was high across all categories this year, so it was no easy feat to choose who would win.

“This year’s winners reflect the exciting range of industries in the borough – from AI to education, fashion to physiotherapy, food stalls to furniture design. We are so proud of our business community and the Business Awards are our chance to shine a light on their remarkable achievements.”

Three categories – Best Food and Drink Venue, High Street Business and Market or Mobile Trader – were determined by 3,265 public votes.

Royal Borough of Greenwich received £3,000 in sponsorship for prizes towards the Mayor’s Raffle, which raised £1,240 for the Mayor of Greenwich’s charities: Commonwealth and Gurka Garden Project at the St George Garrion Church and Bowel Cancer UK. A further £555 of event ticket sales also went to these worthy causes, making a grand total of £1,795 raised.

The winners are:

• Business of the Year Inclusive Stories Ltd

• Best Food and Drink Venue Cakes & Layers

• Best New Business

The Coffee Studio Highly Commended: We Candle It

• Digital Roon’s Catering

• NEW CATEGORY: Entrepreneur - Over 30 Inclusive Stories

• NEW CATEGORY: Entrepreneur - Under 30 TULASI

• Greener Greenwich University of Greenwich

• Health and Wellbeing Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) Highly Commended: The Community Hospice

• High Street Business Village Greengrocers

• Innovation AI Accelerator

• Made in Greenwich Haneker

• Market or Mobile Trader Butter Me Up

• Professional Service Clearcut Physiotherapy Highly Commended: Ginkgo Financial Ltd

• Staff Development

Home-Start Greenwich

• Tourism and Culture

Art and Craft Greenwich Market (Greenwich Hospital)