Tears of joy as Business Awards winners announced

The awards event brought together dozens of businesses as well as support organisations to celebrate the hard work which goes into running the shops, firms and operators that together make up the borough’s vibrant business community.

Overall winner on the day was Addlestone-based KickX, which claimed the Business of the Year award and the Entrepreneur and Innovator of the Year Award.

KickX was opened in Addlestone One by Vik Sharma. It has re-engineered football into new indoor forms which is a world first and has raised over £2m and attracted top names from the football world. It is also a very community centric business bringing people of all ages to enjoy sport in the town centre.

Business awards 2024 winners pictured in the Quad at Royal Holloway, University of London, which hosted the awards event.

The full list of winners and highly commended entries were:

Growth award

Winner: DawgHouse Pizza Co; highly commended: Sam Beare Bookshop and The Corporate Chef.

Lee Wilkins from Dawg House Pizza Co receives his award

Sustainability Award 

Winner: Chop and Change; highly commended: Artisan Leaves.

Community Hero Award

Winner: Geek Retreat Addlestone; highly commended Airde Accountancy and Egham Artisans Pop-up Shop.

Best Town Centre Business Award

Winner: Allure Blinds; highly commended: Just Relish and KickX.

Best Neighbourhood Business

Winner: Groundworks95; highly commended: The Victoria pub, Woodham and 3 Rooms Indian Restaurant.

Nathan Wharf from Groundworks95 receives his award.

Entrepreneur and innovator award

Winner: Kick X; Highly commended: Taste Creative

Employer of the Year

Winner: Chop and Change; Highly commended: Caremark Spelthorne and Runnymede.

Chop and Change was named as Employer of the Year.

Outstanding Contribution

Winner: Hanka Vlhova, Cinnamon Care; highly commended: Caremark Spelthorne and Runnymede and Hebrews.

Cinnamon Care's Hanka Vlhova and residents receive the award

Business of the Year: KickX

The KickX team receive the Business of the Year award from Royal Holloway's Professor Christos Tsinopoulos.

Speaking at the awards, Mayor of Runnymede, Cllr Elaine Gill said: “It has been great to hear about so many fantastic businesses. It is so important that we celebrate these achievements, you have all done really well and you are all winners.

“Congratulations to all the business leaders, shop owners and staff who we are celebrating. I hope that you will go back and find a place to proudly display your certificates on the office wall or in the shop window.

“I would also encourage you to share your success with your customers, suppliers and colleagues through social media.  I want you to be proud because we are really proud of you.

“We want to support businesses because you create jobs and prosperity in Runnymede. You are also at the heart of our communities which is so important to us. I never cease to be amazed by all the work that is done by you.”

The Mayor also thanked the businesses which have sponsored the Business Awards:

• Anthony Middleton from Coast to Capital
• Jadranka Masnec Nicholls from Stanhope Seta
• Robyn Sheppard from Avery Health Care
• Mark Adams from Business Runnymede
• Gary Riddell from TESCO in Addlestone
• Neil Poulter and Simon Burge from Thorpe Park
• Georgina Angele from Surrey Careers Hub
• Mary Hammond from Community Life
• Professor Christos Tsinopoulos  and Paul Scott from Royal Holloway University of London, our main sponsor for this event.

►The Council and Business Runnymede provide a host of advice and support for businesses, find out more at www.runnymede.gov.uk/business and on the Business Runnymede website.

►Look out for more photos and videos on our social media throughout the week.