The Kingston Borough Business Awards (KBBA) have been launched by Kingston Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the excellence of local businesses who have shown great determination, creativity and resilience over the past 12 months.
Hosted by Warren House, business leaders and entrepreneurs gathered together with social enterprises and key figures from the education sector to hear how KBBA are set to truly reflect the diversity of enterprise in Kingston and will encourage applications from across the borough.
KBBA, which are supported by Headline sponsor, Kingston University, and Gold sponsors Kingston College and Kingston Council, will have transparency and integrity at the core, and each application will be considered on its distinctive merits in a robust judging process.
The launch, on the 7th July 2021, included speeches led by Forbes Low, CEO of Kingston Chamber of Commerce and followed by Professor Steven Spier, Vice Chancellor of Kingston University, Ian Thomas CBE, CEO of Kingston Council and Peter Mayhew-Smith, Group Principal and CEO, South Thames Colleges Group.
Said Forbes Low, CEO, Kingston Chamber of Commerce: “To me, the essential element in business are the people. It is people who come together to create, to build, to entertain and to deliver solutions to problems. These awards will celebrate these people for their achievements.”
Added Professor Steven Spier, Vice Chancellor Kingston University: “It’s really important that we are anchored in Kingston. Kingston’s success is our success. Kingston University is regularly ranked 1st or 2nd for graduate start-ups and that is why I am particularly delighted that we are supporting the start-up award.”
Ian Thomas, CBE, Chief Executive Kingston Borough Council, said: “During the pandemic we saw how important that link between the council and its business community is. Having been an integral part of the effort to support businesses during those difficult times, we are delighted to support these awards. Organisations of all sizes have been adapting, exploiting new opportunities and creating employment in the borough. We want to acknowledge that strength, resilience and contribution to the local economy.”
Peter Mayhew-Smith, Group Principal and CEO, South Thames Colleges Group: “We are celebrating business and we are celebrating communities. We are just really proud to be part of that, and especially that celebration of the humble day-to-day work that your employees have undoubtedly been doing through the months behind us and the months ahead.”
There are a number of categories for KBBA to ensure greater inclusivity for businesses of all sizes and sectors can enter. The awards will be open for entries in August, with judging in December and the awards celebration taking place in early March 2022.
The categories are: • Contribution to the Community • Creative Effectiveness • Developing Young People Skills Sponsored by Kingston College • Digital, Marketing and Social Media • Excellence in Customer Service • Food and Beverage • Health & Wellbeing • Innovative Use of Technology • Local Independent Retailer • Outstanding Sole Trader/Freelancer • Resilience and Adaptation Sponsored by Kingston Council • Start-Up of the Year Sponsored by Kingston University • Sustainable Business • Kingston Chamber of Commerce Professional Services Recognition
Kingston Borough Business Awards mission is to celebrate the positive impact of local businesses across the Borough of Kingston with credibility, independence and pride. For further information visit https://www.kbba.co.uk or email Forbes Low, Chief Executive of Kingston Chamber of Commerce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The awards are delivered by Kingston Chamber of Commerce who are an independent, not for profit organisation entirely funded by membership and one of the largest borough Chambers in London. Formally recognised as the business representative for the business community in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, they provide networking, training, advice and business development opportunities. They are highly active including delivering events throughout the year such as annual Business Expos in both Kingston & Chessington. More info @ https://www.kingstonchamber.co.uk/
