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Sponsored by

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

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This award celebrates organisations or individuals who have set new standards in delivering exceptional customer experiences. It commends those who consistently place customers at the heart of their strategies, creating seamless, personalised, and impactful interactions across every touchpoint.

What the judges are looking for

• Clear evidence of raising the bar for customer experience standards.
• Demonstration that putting the customer first is truly embedded in your culture – not just a slogan.
• Tangible examples of the difference your actions have made for customers.
• Supporting proof points such as data, testimonials, or case studies that show measurable results.

Sponsored by

Russell-Cooke Solicitors

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This award recognises businesses who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in delivering professional services with integrity and expertise, from legal and financial services to consulting and advisory roles. The award acclaims those who consistently exceed client expectations, set industry benchmarks, and contribute to the advancement of their field.

What the judges are looking for

• Clear evidence of the benefits and value you provide to your customers.
• Demonstration of why excellence in professional service is essential to your business.
• Evidence of how you measure the success of your professional services.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.

Sponsored by

Kingston University

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This award celebrates a start-up (up to 18 months old) that has demonstrated remarkable growth, innovation, and potential within its industry. It recognises entrepreneurial vision, resilience, and the ability to disrupt markets with fresh ideas, products, or services in Kingston.

What the judges are looking for

• Highlight what makes your business unique and why it stands out in its field.
• Demonstrate effective leadership that drives both business growth and a positive culture.
• Provide evidence of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them.
• Showcase forward-thinking strategies and a sustainable vision for the future.

Sponsored by

The Bentall Centre

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This award celebrates organisations, teams, or individuals, that contribute to the vibrancy of the local arts and cultural sector. It recognises those who provide visitors with access to tourist attractions, visual arts, cultural heritage, theatre, film, music and festivals.

What the judges are looking for

•     Demonstrate context, vision, and insight into your role in the local cultural landscape.
•     Provide examples of outreach, marketing, or innovative approaches to audience involvement.
•     Provide examples of originality and forward-thinking approaches.
•     Show sustainable contributions that benefit the wider community.
•     Proof points: include data, testimonials or case studies that show results.

Sponsored by

Barwell Business Park

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This award acknowledges organisations or individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainability. It celebrates initiatives that reduce environmental impact, promote responsible resource use, and drive long-term positive change for the planet and the local community.

What the judges are looking for

• What inspired your focus on sustainability.
• How you integrate sustainability into decision-making and daily operations.
• Clear evidence of the impact your work has had on the environment or community.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.

Sponsored by

Forbes Design

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This award celebrates the passion and commitment of independent businesses, organisations, and individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement in the health and fitness sector. This accolade is given to those who champion fitness and wellbeing for people at every stage of life.

What the judges are looking for

• Demonstration of context, focus, and insight in your role promoting health and fitness.
• Tangible evidence of achievements and distinction.
• Evidence of real-life benefits and impact on the community.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.

Sponsored by

Kingston College

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This award acclaims organisations or individuals who support young people in developing confidence, purpose, and skills to succeed in their education, careers, and future progression.

What the judges are looking for

• Clear articulation of your mission and a genuine understanding of the challenges young people face.
• Evidence of practical, well-designed interventions, not just good intentions.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.

Sponsored by

Bluprint

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This award honours a young professional (35 years and under) who has shown first-class performance in their field, a commitment to continuous learning, exceptional promise and impact early in their career.

What the judges are looking for

• Clear evidence of excellence, leadership qualities, and outstanding results.
• Clear evidence of curiosity, initiative, and dedication to self-improvement.
• Examples of qualities, behaviours, or achievements that demonstrate they are a rising star.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.

Sponsored by

Kingston First

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This award acknowledges locally based, independent businesses that have demonstrated positive growth, provided quality services and solutions to customers beyond the borough of Kingston, building a strong reputation nationally or internationally.

What the judges are looking for

• Demonstration of authenticity, independence, and a clear sense of identity.
• Evidence that local roots remain strong even as your reach expands.
• Evidence of measurable growth, supported by data or milestones.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.

Sponsored by

Kingston Council

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This award honours individuals or organisations that have shown exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. It celebrates those who champion equal opportunities, foster inclusive environments, and actively work to break down barriers for underrepresented groups.

What the judges are looking for

• Clear intent, authentic leadership, and alignment between words and actions.
• Tangible examples of leadership in both strategy and execution.
• Evidence of accountability, reflection, and commitment to long-term change.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.

Sponsored by

HR Dept

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This award recognises all small businesses (3-10 people) that have demonstrated a high degree of excellence, leadership, people first values and how they have set themselves up for future.

What the judges are looking for

• Highlight what makes your business unique and why it stands out in its field.
• Demonstrate effective leadership that drives both business growth and a positive culture.
• Provide evidence of an authentic culture, strong employee engagement, and customer-centric practices.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.

Sponsored by

DoubleTree by Hilton

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This award celebrates the very best in food and drink businesses. It champions restaurants, cafés, pubs & takeaways that deliver outstanding flavour, skills, service, consistency and create vibrant and memorable experiences.

What the judges are looking for

• Demonstrate excellence in flavour, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate value, service quality, engagement, and overall experiential impact.
• Provide evidence of reliability and consistency over time.
• Provide proof of customer satisfaction and reputation.

Sponsored by

IQ in IT

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This award recognises organisations or individuals who have demonstrated success in leveraging artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and innovative solutions to create meaningful impact. It celebrates forward-thinking initiatives that push boundaries, enhance efficiency, and deliver transformative outcomes for industries or communities at large.

What the judges are looking for

•     Demonstration of structured, well-executed approaches and strong problem-solving skills.
•     Evidence of tangible, quantifiable outcomes and meaningful change.
•     Demonstration of how you will continue to create impact in the future.
•     Proof points: include data, testimonials or case studies that show results.

Sponsored by

Pearson Hards Solicitors

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This award commends charities/not-for-profit/voluntary groups that have made an outstanding contribution to the local community through its mission, programmes and impact. It recognises their community engagement and the effective use of resources to create meaningful change.

What the judges are looking

•     Clear intent, authentic leadership, and alignment between words and actions.
•     Accountability, reflection, and commitment to positive impacts on the community
•     Proof points: include data, testimonials or case studies that show results.

Sponsored by

Unilever UK & Ireland

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This award celebrates businesses that exemplify outstanding workplace culture, employee engagement, and people-focused practices. It recognises those who create supportive, inclusive, and empowering environments where employees can thrive and contribute their best.

What the judges are looking for

• Initiatives you’ve implemented to foster a positive, motivated workforce.
• How you gather employee feedback and how you act on it.
• Opportunities provided for employee learning, development, and career growth.
• Evidence of why your company is a great place to work.
• Proof points: include data, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate results.