On Friday, 22 October, the Royal Borough of Greenwich celebrated the excellent entrepreneurship of businesses in the borough. 

The Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards received over 235 applications this year, with hundreds of companies competing to showcase their skills and get a chance to win the £3,000 top prize. 

Held in association with the headline sponsor U+I at the InterContinental O2, the finalists were treated to a warm atmosphere and beautiful views over the River Thames. Guest presenter, actor Meera Syal CBE, shared with the crowd her own experiences of her entrepreneurial family, her love of the arts and how she felt inspired by the start-up soul of Royal Greenwich.  

The Council was supported by the South East London Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the diversity, passion and contribution of businesses in the borough, and to highlight the vital role local businesses play in providing sustainable growth. After all, Royal Greenwich is home to over 11,000 businesses providing around 100,000 jobs. 

Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: 
“My thanks go out to everyone who runs a business here. It is amazing that so many local companies entered the awards this year and I was so pleased to be able to meet everyone face-to-face. 

“We’ve been through so much together, and businesses like these are an essential part of our community. It was local businesses that stepped up during COVID-19 to deliver urgently needed personal protective equipment, helped people’s mental health in lockdown, and encouraged London to open up again. 

“These awards are about recognising  our top notch talent. I thank every entrant for choosing to set up in Royal Greenwich. Thanks for being part of our economy, for creating jobs for local people, and for fostering new talent. Thanks for having the courage to put ideas into action, especially  during such a difficult 18 months.” 

Cllr Mariam Lolavar, Head Judge and Lead for Business and Economic Growth, said: 

“It was almost too close call on who would take an award home this year. Greenwich is home to a diverse number of businesses and finalists ranged from experts in healthcare to training, or from music to fashion design.  

“Congratulations to all the fantastic finalists and winners. The sheer quality of all our local businesses made it harder than ever to choose a winner. They’re the pride of our borough.” 

The Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards winners are:

Innovation Award sponsored by Mo-Sys Engineering 
Hexitime - Winner
Make-up Box - Highly Commended 

Workforce Development Award sponsored by London South East Colleges 
Her Centre - Winner   
SV Academy - Highly Commended  

Made in Greenwich Award sponsored by Handelsbanken 
Borna Foods Limited - Winner 

Greener Greenwich Award sponsored by IKEA 
Fast Shield Packaging Limited - Winner

Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by GLL 
Care College - Winner 

High Street Retailer of the Year Award sponsored by Grant Saw Solicitors 
Made in Greenwich – GCDA - Winner

Food and Hospitality Award  sponsored by Drury Tea & Coffee 
Kola Butchers - Winner  

Tourism and Culture Award  sponsored by Visit Greenwich and the O2  
Greenwich Music School - Winner  
Maritime Radio - Highly Commended  

Young Entrepreneur Award sponsored by University of Greenwich  
UNAJI&Co - Winner 
F5 Films Ltd - Winner

Leader’s Award sponsored by South East London Chamber of Commerce 
Tribe Urban Entertainment - Winner

Business of the Year Award sponsored by Willmott Dixon 
Fast Shield Packaging Limited - Winner