The new Kingston Borough Business Awards (KBBA) organised by Kingston Chamber of Commerce and supported by Kingston University, Kingston Council and Kingston College launched earlier in 2021. Designed to celebrate and recognise the excellence of the local business community, who have shown great determination, creativity, and resilience over the past months.

The response to these inaugural awards has been overwhelming with over 200 entries across 14 categories. The exceptional number of submissions received, combined with the quality and strength of their entries from businesses of all sectors made the judges experience both a challenging but rewarding one.

Professor Steven Spier, Vice-Chancellor, Kingston University, said: “Kingston University is a proud partner and sponsor of the Kingston Borough Business Awards. Once again, we are reminded of the diversity and commitment that our local businesses bring to the community. 

The past 18 months have been a challenging time for all businesses, so we are particularly pleased to see the innovation and determination represented so strongly across the entries and in particular this year’s finalists”.  

Lucy Kane, Time & Leisure, Managing Director said: “Being a judge of Kingston Business Awards was a fantastic experience. The standard of entrants was very high, demonstrating excellence in their fields. The awards process was incredibly well planned, diligent and transparent. I have no doubt the best businesses have won but all of this year’s entrants are winners, displaying extraordinary resilience and creativity during a time of adversity.” 

Finalists will be invited to join sponsors and judges at a unique celebration evening at All Saints Kingston on Thursday 17 March 2022 where the winners will be announced.

Forbes Low, CEO of Kingston Chamber of Commerce said; “This venue has a unique historical position in the heart of Kingston. It has hosted an eclectic, inclusive range of events as an important civic center and it will provide the Awards a distinctive and special sense of occasion”.

Finalists in the KBBA categories are:

Contribution to the Community Award
Sponsored by Pearson Hards

  • Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness
  • RBKares
  • Staywell
  • Volunteering Kingston

Creative Effectiveness Award
Sponsored by Wolters Kluwer

  • Bee Smith Millinery
  • Kingston Theatre Trust
  • LeBoo Media Ltd
  • Lisa Tolley Artist and Illustrator

Developing Young People Skills Award
Sponsored by Kingston College

  • Creative Youth / International Youth Arts Festival
  • Kingston Theatre Trust
  • Oxygen
  • Sensational Kids

Digital, Marketing and Social Media Award

  • Dotwise
  • F6 Agency
  • Figment Agency
  • The Wych Elm Kingston

Excellence in Customer Service Award
Sponsored by Holland Hahn & Wills

  • Comfort Care at Home
  • The HR Dept
  • Summers Inman
  • The Wych Elm Kingston

Food and Beverage Award
Sponsored by Kingston First

  • Incognito Cocktail Bar
  • The Park Brewery
  • Pickled Pantry
  • Riverside Vegetaria