LSBU supports Southwark’s Business excellence awards 2019
London South Bank University is a major sponsor of Southwark's Business Excellence Awards 2019 with the first round of awards set to kick off next JuneLondon South Bank University (LSBU) is supporting the Southwark Business Excellence Awards 2019 as headline sponsor. The awards kicked off with a launch event held at The Shard on Thursday 24 January and the first round of awards will take place next June.
Designed to celebrate the successes and achievements of Southwark’s 18,000 local businesses, the Southwark Business Excellence Awards aim to recognise and reward the wide range of firms based in the borough, which stretches from South Bank to London Bridge and Surrey Docks in the east, and to Bermondsey, Peckham, Camberwell and Dulwich in the south. These awards are free to enter and open to companies of all sizes and across all sectors in the borough.
More than 200 guests attended the launch event to hear speeches from business and political leaders and a welcome from Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business. Also in attendance were awards partners, Southwark Chamber of Commerce and Southwark Council.
Professor Patrick Bailey, LSBU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, who spoke at the event, said: “LSBU was founded in Southwark over 125 years ago by the people and institutions of the borough. Our mission back then, which still applies, is to be able to provide high quality professional and technical education and support for local employers. We are proud to sponsor these awards and to highlight our commitment to the people and businesses of Southwark.”
Kieron Williams, Southwark Council's Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Innovation, said: “Across the borough, businesses of all sizes play a vital role in our communities, providing essential services, nurturing new ideas and technologies, and attracting people to Southwark, with their great and diverse appeal. I look forward to recognising their contribution at the Southwark Business Awards 2019.”
Peter Mantell, Chairman of Southwark Chamber of Commerce, said: “The launch of the Southwark Business Awards in 2018 set a benchmark which was truly inspirational; this year our aim is to build on that success. It is clear to me that every business which participated last year, regardless of how far they progressed, has benefited from the experience and I encourage everyone to consider entering.”
Urging entrepreneurs to get involved, 2018’s first 'Business of the Year' winner Melissa Harwood, owner of East Dulwich restaurant Spinach, told launch guests: “Winning and the recognition it has given us was a real confidence boost. I would absolutely encourage all businesses to enter in 2019. For us, it has been great for business, great for our community and a real morale booster for staff.”
The awards are sponsored by London South Bank University, British Land, Delancey, Landsec, Great Portland Estates, London College of Communication, UAL and Willmott Dixon. They are supported by Forepure Brewing Co., Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard and Southwark News.
The finale of the programme will involve a rigorous and independent two-stage judging process followed by an awards ceremony for 450 people hosted by TV presenter and ITV This Morning reporter Michael Underwood, next June.
To find out more about the entry categories and criteria for applying, visit Southwark Awards.