Following months of anticipation, the exceptional 2024 Business Awards winners were revealed at the prestigious awards ceremony on Friday 7 February.
Over 330 local entrepreneurs, business owners, investors and stakeholders attended the annual event at InterContinental London – The O2 to celebrate local businesses’ success and hard work, with the ceremony culminating with the big winners’ reveal for 14 categories and Business of the Year.
This year the awards, held in association with headline sponsor LandsecU+I and the South East London Chamber of Commerce, saw the introduction of two new exciting categories: Entrepreneur Over 30 and Entrepreneur Under 30.
Royal Greenwich’s rich diversity was reflected in the list of finalists. Forty seven percent of businesses shortlisted were female-led and 51% of businesses were owned by people from a range of backgrounds including African, Caribbean, Chinese and Indian heritage.
The top accolade of Business of the Year 2024 went to Inclusive Stories Ltd, who provide unique subscription boxes filled with diverse children’s books and sensory fidget toys specifically designed for families raising autistic children. They won £3,000 for a project of their choice.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Huge congratulations to our winners and finalists, who have achieved amazing things over the last year. Royal Greenwich is a world-class place for businesses to establish themselves and grow. Our vision is to create an inclusive economy that works for everyone and does not leave anyone behind. Local businesses are vital in creating prosperity for local people and we want to thank them for their important contributions to Royal Greenwich. From enlivening our town centres to providing jobs, they are the backbone of our community.”
Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports – and Head Judge – said: “It was wonderful to celebrate our incredible winners and finalists at the ceremony on Friday. Competition was high across all categories this year, so it was no easy feat to choose who would win.
“This year’s winners reflect the exciting range of industries in the borough – from AI to education, fashion to physiotherapy, food stalls to furniture design and local support services to world-class attractions. We are so proud of our business community and the Business Awards are our chance to shine a light on their remarkable achievements.”
The event was hosted by Ayesha Hazarika, a political commentator, writer and comedian. Ayesha is a regular commentator on the BBC, Sky and ITN as well as writing for national newspapers and magazines including the FT, Guardian and New Statesman.
Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports gave the opening address and closing remarks. Businesses showed their generosity by raising funds for the Mayor of Greenwich’s charities The Commonwealth & Gurkha Garden Project and Bowel Cancer UK through the Mayor of Greenwich’s Charity Raffle sponsored by Lovell.
Winners for 14 categories and Business of the Year were selected by a panel of judges including Head Judge Councillor Jackie Smith, Christou Christofi – Economic Inclusion Manager at Peabody and President of the South East London Chamber of Commerce, Dr Hetty Sun – Associate Professor and Associate Head of the Executive Business Centre – Research and Knowledge Exchange at the Greenwich Business School, Kemi Madumere – Co-Director of Brighter Futures Project, Compass Support Living, and Camouflage Café, Councillor Majid Rahman – Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, Mark Jenkinson – Director and Founder of Crystal Associates and Paddy Rogers – Director (Chief Executive Officer) of Royal Museums Greenwich.
Three categories – Best Food and Drink Venue, High Street Business and Market or Mobile Trader – were determined by the public, who submitted over 3,265 votes.
We can reveal the 2024 Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards winners are:
Business of the Year
Sponsor: BPTW
Winner: Inclusive Stories Ltd
Best Food and Drink Venue
Sponsor: Drury Tea and Coffee
Winner: Cakes & Layers
Best New Business
Sponsor: London City Airport
Winner: The Coffee Studio
Highly Commended: We Candle It
Digital
Sponsor: Digital Greenwich Connect
Winner: Roon’s Catering
Entrepreneur – Over 30
Sponsor: Berkley Homes
Winner: Inclusive Stories
Entrepreneur – Under 30
Sponsor: University of Greenwich Facebook
Winner: TULASI
Greener Greenwich
Sponsor: The O2
Winner: University of Greenwich
Health and Wellbeing
Sponsor: GLL-Better
Winner: Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP)
Highly Commended: The Community Hospice
High Street Business
Sponsor: Hindwoods
Winner: Village Greengrocers
Innovation
Sponsor: Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN)
Winner: AI Accelerator
Made in Greenwich
Sponsor: Grant Saw Solicitors
Winner: Haneker
Market or Mobile Trader
Sponsor: Brighter Futures Foundation
Winner: Butter Me Up
Professional Service
Sponsor: Lifeforce Security
Winner: Clearcut Physiotherapy
Highly Commended: Ginkgo Financial Ltd
Staff Development
Sponsor: London South East Colleges
Winner: Home-Start Greenwich
Tourism and Culture
Sponsor: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Winner: Art and Craft Greenwich Market (Greenwich Hospital)
