We received 125 nominations across the ten hotly contested categories for the inaugural event which is being held in association with Lovell.

Residents will able to vote for two awards - Independent Retailer and Food and Hospitality - through a poll on the Royal Borough of Greenwich Business Awards 2018 Facebook page.

Independent Retailer

In the running for Independent Retailer are:

• Age Exchange
• Baj's Blazin Sauces
• Drings
• Ottie and the Bea
• The Cheeseboard
• The Very Green Grocer.

Food and Hospitality

The nominees for the Food and Hospitality award are:

• Aroy D Thai
• Feast London
• Greenwich Tavern
• Park Tavern
• Plumstead Pantry
• The Old Brewery.

How to vote

The public vote opens at midday on Thursday 7 December 2018 and closes at 3pm on 15 December 2018.

Awards ceremony

The winners will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony at InterContinental London - The O2 on Friday 19 January. Countdown presenter Nick Hewer will host the awards with tickets costing just £35 per person thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.

Guests will enjoy a champagne reception sponsored by J.B. Riney as well as lunch and entertainment from The Millennium Performing Arts College. £5 from the sale of each ticket will be divided equally between the Mayor's charities and you'll also receive a raffle ticket to the grand prize draw.

Smartpics UK are the latest new sponsor of the awards and will be bringing their retro Everybooth premium photo booth along to the event to give everyone the chance to take away a memento.

'Make sure that you have your say'

Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Denise Hyland, said: "Congratulations to all our shortlisted businesses. We were overwhelmed with the response so everyone who made the shortlist should be really proud.

"I'm very excited that residents will be able to vote for two of the categories as we want the awards to recognise the businesses that residents value the most - so please make sure that you have your say during the voting period.

"Make sure you book your tickets to the awards ceremony now so that you are a part of what is going to be a fantastic afternoon. There will be lots of opportunities to network and celebrate the contribution businesses make to our borough."