Best firms honoured at South London Business Awards

11:57pm Monday 19th May 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

• Play Video

The best businesses in south London were celebrated this evening at Selhurst Park.

The South London Business Awards, held at Crystal Palace Football Club's grounds, saw Surrey County Cricket Club take the Judges' Award for Excellence.

Based at the Brit Oval ground judges said the club demonstrated that it was a leader in sport and delivered the highest business standards.

Chairman of the judges, Peter Pledger of South London Business explained: "I was looking for a business that would be an excellent exemplar of the range and quality of businesses we have in South London.

"It has established a significant international reputation, increased customers and revenue, secured a world-class event and is clearly engaged with the community that surrounds its location in the Oval.

"It is a great example of a 21st Century business which does credit to the business community in the 12 South London boroughs and demonstrates that South London is a great place for business."

The awards, organised by Priory PR & Events is now in its second year - with a 30 per cent increase in the number of entrants.

This year's entertainment was provided by Posh and Beckham look-a-likes who greeted guests during a champagne reception.

Business leaders then got to tuck into a four-course dinner followed by an Oscars-style ceremony hosted by LBC radio's James Max.

Watch a video of the event

The night's overall winner was Syscap Ltd, an IT finance provider, which picked up the Company of the Year award.

Judge Paddy Collins of The Royal Bank of Scotland, commented on how Syscap won the panel over as the winner of the Company of the Year Award.

He said: "The business is going from strength to strength and the CEO was able to demonstrate real passion around customer service. In terms of corporate social responsibility staff were fully engaged and there was a clearly understood strategy for the business going forward. Overall a fabulous business and worthy winners."

The Small Business Award, sponsored by Your Local Guardian and its sister News Shopper titles, was won by Putney company Physio4Life.

The winners and finalists of the South London Business Awards 2008:

Best New Business - sponsored by Thackray Williams LLP Solicitors
Winner: Sauce Consultancy, Croydon
Finalists: Eco-Actif Services CIC, London; G.E.N.T, Purley and Gleeson Framers Ltd, Rayners Park

Company of the Year Award - sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland
Winner: Syscap Ltd, Wimbledon
Finalists: Gazprom Marketing & Trading, Hampton Wick; Penta Consulting, Wallington and Warren House, Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Sustainable Business Award - sponsored by southlondon.biz
Winner: BioRegional Development Group, Wallington
Finalists: First Impressions Last Longer, Croydon; Future Supplies & Support Services, Croydon and Surrey County Cricket Club, Kennington.

Entrepreneur of the Year - sponsored by Crystal Palace Football Club
Winner: David Litchfield, Next Generation Software Ltd, Sutton
Finalists: Justine Chilton of IDEAS, London; Mandie Kemp of Future Supplies & Services, Croydon and Anthea Lashley-Small of Clavel Rowe Public Relations Ltd, Cheam.

Innovation in Business Award - sponsored by London Innovation Centre
Winner: Citysafe, London SE1 3LJ
Finalists: Proper Oils, Twickenham; Purple Flame, London SE4 2EQ and Vuture, London SE1 OHS.

Small Business Award - Sponsored by Your Local Guardian / News Shopper
Winner: Physio4Life, Putney
Finalists: Eco-Actif Services CIC, London SE1 OEE; Independent mindbodysoul, London SW12 9AP and Mount Elgon Pharmacy, London SW20 8LX.

Marketing Award - sponsored by LBC Radio
Winner: , Chessington
Finalists: Croydon Chamber of Commerce, Croydon; Croydon Town Centre Business Improvement District, Croydon and Surrey County Cricket Club, Kennington.

Excellence in Training & Skills Development Award - sponsored by Learning & Skills Council
Winner: Hawk Training, Twickenham
Finalists: Beaverbrooks The Jewellers, Croydon and National Association of Shopfitters, Warlingham.

Customer Service Award - sponsored by Natwest
Winner: Warren House, Kingston-Upon-Thames
Finalists: Bingham, Richmond; Physio4Life, Putney; S Warrender & Co, Sutton and Yana Cosmetics, Brockley.

Judges' Award for Excellence - sponsored by South London Business
Winner: Surrey County Cricket Club, Kennington
Finalists: All finalists.