Edward James London Aveda Salons & Spa wins top award

Edward James London Aveda Salons & Spa was crowned as Business of the Year at the glittering Wandsworth Business Awards 2014, sponsored by the Tax Guys.

More than 50 businesses were shortlisted after hundreds of companies put themselves forward in 10 categories at the borough’s premier business awards, which were led by Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.

The winners were announced during a gala evening hosted by broadcaster and local entrepreneur Neil Bentley at the Roehampton Club.

Edward James London Aveda Salons & Spa have two of the capital’s most luxurious boutique hair and spa destinations in Wandsworth, specialising in quality couture hairdressing. Greenzone Cleaning & Support Services and Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design were both highly commended for the overall award.

Edward James said: “This means so much – I would like to thank our team, my business partner Natalie Love, family, friends and everyone who has worked for this.

He continued: “We’ve been up and running for three years and this is our second year of entering the awards. The competition is huge and it’s really nice so many people that have done incredibly well. We are so delighted to be here. Our business is doing incredibly well and it is due to the support of our community which we are so proud to be part of.”

Mr Bentley said:“That really sums up what it means to win a Wandsworth Business Award. Congratulations to all of the winners and all of the finalists who deserve recognition as superb champions of business in the borough.”

Jonathan Amponsah, senior partner of headline sponsors The Tax Guys, said: “The Business of the Year Awards was seriously contested.

“Edward James London Aveda Salons & Spa is a worthy winner of the Business of the Year award as the company is a strong overall ambassador for business in Wandsworth.”

Steve Pinto, chairman of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “The judging process for these awards is extremely robust. Last year I spoke to some of the finalists and they said it was like going in for the job interview of their life.”

For more details on the awards visit www.wandsworthbusinessawards.com

CATEGORY WINNERS

BEST BUSINESS FOR TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT (sponsored by South Thames College)

Winner: Artisan (coffee shop in Putney)

Edwin Harrison, owner of Artisan, said: “You know you will get good coffee at Artisan. It is what we focus on – coffee and training. Without good training you make really rubbish coffee!”

Judges’ comments: Matt Amos, of South Thames College said: “A strong focus on training and development is at the heart of Artisan’s business strategy.”

Highly Commended: Edward James London Aveda Salons & Spa. Commended: Greenzone Cleaning & Support Services

BEST SME BUSINESS

Winner: My Nametags (supplier of sticker and iron-on nametags)

Jenifer Andersen said: “I am very proud to collect this award on behalf of my father Lars who is the founder of My Nametags.”

Judges’ comments: Jonathan Amponsah, senior partner of The Tax Guys, said: “This dynamic and innovative small business impressed the judges with its flexibility and creative approach.”

Highly Commended: Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, Commended: Minar Jewellers. Other finalists: Aquamax, Bluebird Care, Gourmet Hog Roast Company, Kiwi Movers, RS Consulting, Social360, The Cherwell Group

BEST GREEN BUSINESS

Winner: Greenzone Cleaning & Support Services (an environmentally focused cleaning company)

Steve Trew of Greenzone said: “When we set the company up four and a half years ago we created a Mission Statement to offer our clients fabulous cleaning services but in as environmentally friendly way as possible. We set ourselves the target of challenging not only the cleaning industry’s methods of operating but also business in general. This award, along with last years’ Best Customer Service accolade, helps us to stand head and shoulders above any competition.”

Judges’ comments: Karen Rieveley of Hodges said: “Greenzone impressed the judges with an innovative approach to sustainability.”

Highly Commended: Wandsworth Salvation Army Community Shop

Finalists: Aqua Amore Ltd, Growhampton

BEST BUSINESS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE (sponsored by GreenZone)

Winner: Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design (providing quality flowers and bouquets in New Covent Garden Market)

Judges’ comments: Steve Trew of Greenzone said: “Twelve months ago my colleagues and I sat nervously waiting to hear the results of this award and we were overwhelmed and delighted to win. We think the Customer Service award is probably the premier award of the evening because it recognises the efforts we all go to for our customers. This year’s winner has consistently put customer service at the heart of their business winning new customers as a result.”

Highly Commended: Shape Networks. Commended: Bar 366 St John’s Hill, Edward James London Aveda Salons & Spa. Finalists: Aglaea Hair & Beauty, Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, First Aid for Life, Juliet Lemon Photography & The Lemon Gallery, Wimbledon Sewing Machine, Yellow Print Shop

BEST BUSINESS FOR HOSPITALITY & LEISURE

Winner: Conference Roehampton (meeting facilities at Roehampton University)

Philippa Davies, head of conferencing at Conference Roehampton, said: “We have worked really hard to grow the business and are looking forward to the next few years when we will be launching some exciting new ventures.”

Judges’ comments: Steve Pinto, chairman of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “Conference Roehampton has demonstrated continued growth and quality of service.”

Highly Commended: Old Sergeant pub. Commended: Bar 366 Earlsfield, Elina PMS. Finalists: Brady’s Bar & Restaurant

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Winner: Wandsworth Oasis (charity supporting people with HIV in the borough)

Gill Perkins of Wandsworth Oasis said: “This is really for our volunteers – we couldn’t do what we do without them. They volunteered 320,000 hours last year to making Wandsworth Oasis the success it has been so thank you so much to everybody.”

Judges’ comments: Brian Treherne MBE, chairman of South London Export Club, said: “I’m amazed how much is going on in Wandsworth – it was tough to decide who was going to be the winner. The standard was extremely high. Often regarded as a hidden gem, this year’s winner has made a significant contribution to Wandsworth.”

Highly Commended: Old Sergeant pub. Commended: GraffORM. Finalists: Bellissima, Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, Managing Care, Mary’s Living and Giving Shop for Save the Children, One-World Design Architects, Wandsworth Salvation Army Community Shop, Wimbledon Sewing Machine.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Southside Wandsworth)

Winner: Bruce Casalis (Bruce’s Doggy Day Care) – award-winning dog creche

Joanne van Rensburg, who collected the award on Bruce’s behalf, said: “He’s going to be really bouncing on holiday. I know that he will be over the moon to have won this because he has worked so hard and tirelessly.”

Judges’ comments: Caroline Anderson of Southside Shopping Centre said: “Bruce impressed the judges with his creative approach to business growth.”

Highly Commended: Elizabeth Marsh (Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design). Commended: Lars Andersen (My Nametags). Finalists: Jemal Peters (Big J’s Kitchen), Juliet Lemon (Juliet Lemon Photography & The Lemon Gallery), Farley Berry (Lady Berry Cupcakes), James Munro (Shape Networks), Zach Mammadov (Signeer), Sahan Gero (World Heart Beat Music Academy).

BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER (sponsored by the Wandsworth & South London Press)

Winner: Minar Jewellers (family-run jewellers in Tooting)

Pravin Pattni of Minar Jewellers said: “Thank you very much – this award is being accepted on behalf of my family, my brilliant staff. My special thanks to The Tax Guys, Wandsworth Council and Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce for giving us the opportunity to win this fabulous award.”

Judges’ comments: Hannah Walker, editor of the South London Press, said: “As a family-run business tonight’s winner is highly regarded by its loyal customers.”

Highly Commended: Re:Treat. Other finalists: Belle Amie Cafe, Dee Light Bakery. Finalists: Belle Amie Cafe, Dee Light Bakery, Inside Man, Wimbledon Sewing Machine.

BEST NEW BUSINESS

Winner: Bouncy Jam (set up by Sarah Kerr, bringing unique children’s products to the UK)

Sarah Kerr of Bouncy Jam said: “Since I set up my business in January it has been an incredibly busy year trying to establish myself and juggle two toddlers.”

Judges’ comments: Richard Tracey, GLA member for Wandsworth and Sutton, said: “The judges were very impressed at this new business set up by someone who calls herself a mumtepreneur.”

Highly Commended: Blackleaf Events, Commended: Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery. Finalists: Bluebird Care, Edward James, Neverland Photography, Pawesome, Share Community.

BEST BUSINESS FOR MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Winner: Bouncy Jam (set up by Sarah Kerr, bringing unique children’s products to the UK)

Sarah Kerr of Bouncy Jam said: “Receiving these awards makes all of that effort worthwhile and has really given me a boost as I strive to grow my business. I hope I can be back next year as a Wandsworth employer.”

Judges’ comments: Councillor Steffi Sutters of the London Borough of Wandsworth, said: “Good use of social media is increasingly important and Sarah has used incredible skill to market the products she has already launched - Yumbox and Cheeky Elephant.

Commended: Wandsworth Oasis, Elizabeth Marsh

November 10, 2014