And the winner is …Lambeth firms enjoy their Oscar night

Following hard on the heels of Hollywood's Academy Awards, Lambeth businesses have enjoyed their own 'Oscar' celebration.

A glittering event at the Brit Oval this week paid tribute to the winners of the second annual Lambeth Business Awards, run by Lambeth Council and organised by South London Business.
More than 300 guests were on the edge of their seats for the award announcement – made in traditional reverse order – by host Declan Curry, BBC Business presenter. Referring to the current recession he said: "It's never been more important to be good in business."

The biggest cheer went up for the announcement of Business of the Year 2009 – an award chosen by the judging panel from the winners of the other 11 categories, and sponsored by Lambeth Council. The coveted award went to Solarcentury, which had earlier picked up the award for Best Green Business.

Charlotte Webster, Head of Public Relations, at Solarcentury, which designs and installs solar power for buildings, said: "This award is the biggest recognition for all-round achievement. We want to be successful in solar but also as an employer and an innovator. The key to success in sustainability is success in business."

Derrick Anderson, Lambeth Council Chief Executive commented: "Lambeth has a vibrant, creative and diverse business community. This competition honours the sheer determination, acumen and savvy of successful businesses operating in this difficult economic climate. I hope that those honoured will be an inspiration to fledgling companies and people contemplating setting up in business."

The awards are co-sponsored by Lambeth Council, Lambeth First - the borough's strategic local partnership, Lambeth College, London South Bank University, and media partner -South London Press.

Other category award winners

The other category award winners, highly commended and commended firms were:

Best Cultural and Creative Business

Sponsored by City Screen

Winner: Alchemy Events
Highly Commended: JP Creative
Commended: Okido Studio

Best Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism Business

Sponsored by Lambeth College

Winner: Schmidt's
Highly Commended: Opus and Upstairs
Commended: Tsunami Restaurant

Best Young Entrepreneur

Best Social Enterprise

Sponsored by London South Bank University

Winner: Banya Family Placement Agency
Highly Commended: Southbank Mosaics CIC
Commended: Mr and Miss Black and Beautiful

Best Retailer

Sponsored by Morrisons

Winner: Beamish and McGlue
Highly Commended: Big Squid
Commended: The Film Lounge

Best Green Business

Sponsored by London Development Agency

Winner: Solarcentury
Highly Commended: Pli Design
Commended: Ganesha

Best Employer

Sponsored by London South Bank University

Winner: Fusion Glass
Highly Commended: Political Lobbying and Media Relations Commended: JP Creative

Best Women in Business

Sponsored by Tribal

Winner: Jeannette Pritchard – JP Creative
Highly Commended: Serena White – Fats Fitness
Commended: Claire Morton – Alchemy Events