27 Nov Southwark businesses celebrated at virtual awards ceremony
Southwark’s brilliant business community was celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony held virtually for the first time last night (26 November).
The Southwark Business Excellence Awards, held in association with London South Bank University, saw more 190 hopefuls and their friends, family and colleagues log in to watch the awards evening, hosted by award-winning broadcaster Fayon Dixon.
A total of 11 categories were decided on the evening, including the prestigious Southwark Business of the Year Award, which was won by Peace Ballers.
Zion Zachary, CEO, Peace Ballers said: “I am personally very touched to have been recognised as a winner, and am totally blown away. This really has been an amazing year for us. We are in the events sector, and had to shut down, but we are problem-solvers so put our efforts into creating our online events solution. I didn’t launch my own business when I was younger as I wanted to be ready, and I have learned so much. I am elated by the recognition.”
Despite the coronavirus pandemic causing disruption for so many, business resilience and a commitment to deliver for customers, clients and the wider community has remained as strong as ever. More than 120 entries from 84 businesses were submitted for the awards.
Sarah Moore-Williams, Dean of London South Bank University Business School, said: “We’re delighted to have once again sponsored the awards – and what an evening its been. We have seen the best of Southwark’s Business community celebrated this evening and we’re proud to be a part of it.
“Well done to everyone this evening – you’re an inspiration to so many.”
In a joint statement Peter Mantell and Richard Kalmar from Southwark Chamber of Commerce said: “Congratulations to each and every one of our finalists and award winners.
“It was a pleasure to join our business community for an evening of celebration. Everyone has worked so hard to get to this point and, in what has been a difficult year, it has been great to highlight and showcase the hard work of so many people.”
The Awards programme is sponsored by headline partner London South Bank University, event partners Southwark Chamber of Commerce and Southwark Council, sponsored by British Land, Elephant & Castle Town Centre, Great Portland Estates, Landsec, Lendlease, and supported by Insight 6, Southwark News, Sea Containers London and Hiver Beers.
The 2020 Southwark Business Excellence Awards Winners:
Business of the Year Sponsored by London South Bank University
Winner – Peace Ballers
Best Business for Customer Service
Winner – D.A.Y
Highly Commended – TheLodge.space
Commended – Incentive FM Group
Best Charity or Social Enterprise sponsored by Elephant & Castle Town Centre
Winner – The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education
Highly Commended – Theatre Peckham
Commended – Restorative Justice for All International Institute (RJ4ALL)
Commended – UK Homes 4 Heroes Pride & Passion
Best Employer Sponsored by Landsec
Winner – Inner Circle Consulting
Highly Commended – TOPDesk
Commended – Holistic & Beauty Therapy
Best Medium Sized Business
Winner – CD International
Highly Commended – Complete IT
Commended – Inner Circle
Best Small Business Sponsored by Lendlease
Winner – Support & Sustain
Highly Commended – Adriot Accountax
Commended – Berry Cole Studios
Commended – Friddle’s Cakes
Contribution to the Community Sponsored by Great Portland Estates
Winner – Unity Music Arts Team
Highly Commended – VHR
Commended – De’Osa Catering & Events
Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner – Zion Zachary, Peace Ballers
Highly Commended – Sean Baradaran, Greenzen
Commended – Mark Allan, Job Doctors
Women in Business Sponsored by British Land
Winner – Sarah Preece, Mountview
Highly Commended – Jennifer O’Donnell, Jane Jefferson Cleaning
Commended – Helen Cuthbert, Planning Potential
Commended – Jane Langley, Blue Patch
Best Business for Hospitality, Leisure, Food & Beverage
Winner – Bankside Hotel
Highly Commended – Diogenes the Dog
Commended – Tower Tandoori
The Southwark Culture & Tourism Award
Winner – Copeland Park & Bussey Building
Highly Commended – Mountview