The second annual Southwark Business Excellence Awards are now open to all 18,000 businesses across the borough. We know how hard-working and successful businesses in Rotherhithe, Surrey Docks and the whole SE16 have been in the past year, and we would love to see this success recognised. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a new start up or an established firm at the heart of the local area, why not submit your entry now?

The 14 different categories on offer this year gives every one of the wide variety of business and enterprises in the local area the chance to gain the recognition they deserve, and it’s free and easy to enter online:

• The Southwark Cultural Commitment Award
• Women in Business Award
• Apprentice Employer of the Year
• Best Business for Customer Service
• Best Business for Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism
• Best Business for Tech & Innovation
• Best Charity of Social Enterprise
• Best Employer
• Best Food and Beverage Award
• Best Medium Sized Business
• Best Small Business
• Business of the Year
• Contribution to the Community
• Entrepreneur of the Year
• Independent Retailer of the Year

Businesses can enter up to three categories for free, with the exception of Business of the Year which is chosen by the judges. Last year’s winners can enter any category except those which they won in 2018.

Award submissions must be entered by the closing date of Wednesday 20 March.

Local people are also being invited to think about who their favourite business is and nominate those who they feel deserve to be recognised. British Land is once again sponsoring and judging the Southwark Cultural Commitment Award. This gives recognition to cultural and creative organisations for their contributions to the borough.

Urging firms to enter, last year’s first-ever Business of the Year winner Melissa Harwood, owner of East Dulwich restaurant Spinach, said, “Winning and the recognition it has given us was a real confidence boost. I would absolutely encourage all businesses to enter in 2019 – for us, it has been great for business, great for our community and a real morale booster for staff.”

The finale of the awards programme will be a glittering, Gala Dinner & Charity Ball awards ceremony in June, hosted by Good Morning Britain presenter Michael Underwood.

For full details about entering the 2019 awards, visit: www.southwarkawards.co.uk