It was an early start for our Kent Operational Support Co-ordinator, Leila responsible for the day’s social media as well as policy staff and development managers across the region to ensure that we all arrived in good time at the Holiday Inn, Shepperton for the South East Regional FSB Awards Gala Final. It had been many months in the planning and finally the day arrived and we were expecting more than 180 attendees including VIPs and the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner, our stakeholder sponsors and of course our esteemed finalists. The excitement was electric during the morning and our pre awards virtual meet and greet one week prior paid dividends as many finalists already met each other online.
First action of the event, round up all the sponsors for a group stage photo. We couldn’t do it without them and they were pleased to be acknowledged. At 11-30am the reception desk was buzzing and perfectly controlled by Karen Durcan and Nicky Kildunne. They had obviously done this before. All running with military precision as we started the drinks reception. Wow, what an atmosphere. You would think that everyone knew each other already! At 12-30pm came the call to take your seats and the ceremony started with a welcome from Dave Sharpe or compere of the day followed by an address from South East Regional Chair, Ian Ross.
The winners are as follows:
- Micro Business of the Year Award – Creative Nature
- Business & Product Innovation Award – Be:Loved
- Sustainability Award – Y.O.U Underwear
- Exporter of the Year Award – Creative Nature
- Larger Small Business of the Year Award – Oriel Square
- Family Business of the Year Award – Hale Place Care Solutions
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Bare Kind
- Start-Up Business of the Year Award – EchoMed
- Service Excellence Award – First Tuition Reading
- Community Award – DigiKind Ltd
- Diversity & Inclusion Award – Attendable
- Self-employed/Freelancer of the year Award – Interactive VA Ltd
At 4pm the South Central Regional Chair, Rob Dewing closed the gala final. It was an unforgettable afternoon of small business celebration. Thank you sponsors and finalists. You are all winners.