Exceptional
The awards honour the exceptional talent, innovation and resilience that define small and medium-sized businesses across the capital.
The competition was open to firms with up to 250 employees, with businesses invited to enter into 21 categories which ranged from Best Entrepreneur and Community Business to Best Young Business Leader and Exporter of the Year. Shortlisted finalists competed for gold or silver in their respective categories, with one overall winner chosen – this year the accolade went to LCCI member Nockolds. The Soho Theatre Company won the Community Business Award – see feature on page 10.

Impact
The black tie ceremony showcased the impact SMEs continue to have on the UK’s capital city. Guests enjoyed a vibrant networking drinks reception, a three course dinner, standout performances from Encore Entertainment and speeches from LCCI chief executive Karim Fatehi OBE and Taryn Robertson of Headline Sponsor HSBC. Jess Bayford from Charity Sponsor Hospices of Hope also took to the stage and hosted a raffle that raised more than £2,500 in support of the charity’s work.

Electric
The energy in the room was electric. Commenting on the event, LCCI chief executive Karim Fatehi OBE said: “These awards are about more than recognition; they are a celebration of the determination, leadership and forward thinking that power our business community every day. From emerging enterprises to established leaders, the calibre of talent and innovation on display is truly inspiring. It is fantastic to see so many organisations and individuals pushing boundaries, embracing change, and making a positive impact across our capital’s diverse sectors and communities.

Achievements
“Nights like this give us the opportunity to pause, reflect and applaud those achievements in the face of a challenging business environment. My congratulations go to everyone involved; your success stories not only deserve recognition but also motivate others to aim higher and continue building a strong and thriving London economy, which in turn benefits the wider UK.”
Nockolds, the law firm and provider of independent financial advice, were crowned overall winnner and will head to the National SME Awards later this year.

The sponsors of the LCCI SME London Business Awards were:

  • HSBC – headline sponsor
  • Menzies – Platinum
  • Bell Stone, Edwin Coe, Etihad Airways, grenke, RBC Brewin Dolphin, OCN, Luton Rising, Penta Consulting, Scholars School Systems, and Weightmans – Gold.

For more pictures of the LCCI SME Business Awards celebrations and a full list of the winners, see page 69.