Kingston’s top firms are being encouraged to put themselves forward for recognition.

The fifth annual Kingston Business Excellence Awards is now open for entries, after launching the competition at Chessington World of Adventures this week.

Kingston Council’s director of place, Roy Thompson, said: “As a council we recognise that the business community is crucial to the economic wellbeing, vibrancy and future prosperity of the borough.

“One of the highlights of the Economic Growth and Development Strategy research we are undertaking is that Kingston is a great place to start and grow your business – we are high in the national rankings for entrepreneurship.”

The research, on behalf of Kingston Council, found 1,800 new firms were set up in the borough between 2010 and 2016, bringing the total to over 8,000 – 46 for every 1,000 people.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Rowena Bass said: “These awards bring together and champion all that’s best of the borough’s businesses by celebrating all [their] hard work, achievements and successes. They really help to showcase that Kingston has lots of talent and entrepreneurship and encourage the new starters and fledgling businesses.”

The 2017 Kingston Business Excellence Awards categories are:

• Apprentice Employer of the Year

• Best Business for Customer Service

• Best Business for Food, Leisure & Hospitality

• Best Business for Marketing & Social Media

• Best Business for Staff Training & Development

• Best Charity or Social Enterprise

• Best SME Business

• Best Start Up Business

• Commitment to the Community

• Entrepreneur of the Year

• Independent Retailer of the Year

• Business of the Year

The deadline for entries is Friday, June 30, and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on October 12.

For more information or to register visit kingstonawards.co.uk.

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