Judges

Director, My Blu Print Ltd

Mark is a Director of My Blu Print Ltd, a Kingston based creative print company. He brings 25 + years of experience across corporate roles and running SME’s. Enthusiasm for new, more efficient technology, coupled with greener, sustainable practices are drivers in his approach to business. Coupled with an instinct to have happier more productive workplaces!

HackCentre Manager, Kingston University London

Amanda worked in the design & advertising production industry for nearly 20 years and transitioned to academia firstly at Brunel then Kingston University in 2018 to manage the HackCentre and run hackathons (challenge-based problem-solving workshops) across the university. Amanda also works with start-ups and established businesses linking them to students and the rich KU academic community for mutually beneficial projects.

Vice President at Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Nick is Vice President at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, where he has the privilege of leading an incredible team across all elements of the resort – including Theme Park, Zoo, SEALIFE and Hotels. His background is in Marketing and Product Management and he has worked for Merlin Entertainments since October 2022, when he first joined Chessington World of Adventures as Marketing Director. He is passionate about delivering amazing customer experiences that help families to create powerful, lifelong memories.

Owner, LeBoo Media

Martin is the owner of LeBoo Media, a Kingston-based copywriting and communications consultancy. He joined the Kingston Chamber of Commerce in 2017, and has been a director since 2018. Martin knows what it takes to win at the Kingston Borough Business Awards, having taken the Creative Effectiveness Award last year, and is proud to be a judge this time round.

Senior Communications Manager at Unilever

Katya is an experienced Senior Communications Manager with a demonstrated history of working across the range of communications areas in the consumer goods industry. Skilled in corporate communications, media relations, issues management, change communications, internal communications and employee engagement.

Co-Director of Creative Youth

Daniel Cartlidge is Co-Director of Creative Youth, a youth arts charity supporting creative development for young people aged 6–30. He leads on strategy, partnerships and programme development, focusing on widening access to the arts, supporting emerging talent and creating sustainable platforms for young creatives locally and internationally.

Centre Director, the Bentall Centre

Simon is the Centre Director of the Bentall Centre, with over a decade of leadership experience in shopping centre management. He brings more than 28 years of senior retail management experience, having led major department stores across central London and the South East. Simon has an extensive background in driving commercial performance, operational excellence, and customer-focused strategies across diverse retail environments. His career reflects a deep understanding of the evolving retail landscape and a sustained commitment to delivering long-term value.

Business Partnerships Manager, Kingston College London

Rebecca is responsible for developing new employer partnerships for Kingston College, part of South Thames Colleges Group. She works closely with local and regional bodies including Chambers of Commerce, local authorities, NHS and the GLA. She has extensive experience in Apprenticeship Recruitment with strong experience working with local businesses which range in size and industry. Rebecca also regularly delivers educational talks for schools and colleges prompting the vast range of career opportunities via the apprenticeship route. 

Managing Director of IQinIT

Katerina is the Managing Director of IQ in IT , a cutting edge Cloud IT provider offering cloud based services.

Katerina has been an active member of Kingston Chamber of Commerce for many years and became a Director in 2015. She became President is 2020, our first one elected in a virtual AGM!

Partner, Pearson Hards Solicitors

Claire Darby specialises in all aspects of dispute resolution, including contract, negligence claims, employment matters and landlord and tenant disputes. Claire has an extensive range of dispute resolution experience, both for individual and commercial clients, and is always keen to take on new and challenging cases.

Strategy and Partnership Inclusion Lead, Kingston Council

Caren has spent over 15 years specialising in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, cultivating her strong knowledge base and expertise in public sector organisations such as Kingston University and London Probation Service. Currently the Strategy and Partnership Inclusion Lead at Kingston Council, she drives meaningful change whilst supporting a committed partnership of communities. Caren believes that strong, visible leadership is essential for successfully advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, ultimately creating long lasting and positive impact.

Employment, Skills & Enterprise, Kingston Council

Amanda has been part of the local Kingston’s business community for more than a decade, having held various roles in Kingston Chamber, South London Partnership and now in the Employment, Skills & Enterprise team at Kingston Council. Amanda has also managed a local Business Improvement District (BID) supporting high street activation, she therefore has experience of working with a wide range of businesses and local partners as well as being passionate about the borough and everyone who makes it such a fantastic and thriving location.

Rotary Club

Roger is the Community chair of New Malden Rotary and a member of the steering group of the New Malden Town Centre Partnership. Also chair of governors of a large school in Esher.  Former head of corporate affairs and communications for several international companies and a long time resident of New Malden. 

Roger and Rotary are key partners in the New Malden Business Forum.

Co-Director of The White House Nursing Home

Rahim has led The White House Nursing Home for over 20 years, driven by a deep commitment to outstanding resident care and supporting the wider care community. Passionate about innovation, he thoughtfully integrates technology and emerging policies to enhance residents’ wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life.

Managing Director, The HR Dept

Since November 2016, Sandra has been running The HR Dept, a HR consultancy that serves over 200 local businesses across various sectors and industries. They provide support with recruitment, performance management, employee relations, contracts and handbooks, training and development, and dispute resolution. They pride ourselves on their customer satisfaction and loyalty, as their net promoter scores show that 94% of our customers would (and do) actively recommend us to others. 

Commercial Director, Time & Leisure Media

Mike is experienced in sales, marketing and advertising across many media channels, working closely with business owners and marketing teams to create and deliver effective campaigns. Passionate about supporting local businesses he became a Director at Kingston Chamber of Commerce in 2020. A previous KBBA winner, Mike is proud to be a judge this year and Time & Leisure Media continues as Media Partners.

Student and Graduate Entrepreneurship Manager, Kingston University

Dwain Reid is an inspirational Business Growth Coach who transformed his childcare business into the largest provider in Lewisham before dedicating his career to empowering underrepresented founders. With expertise in founder mindset, idea validation, lead generation, outsourcing, and remote team management, he has supported over 10,000 entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their ventures. With over 10,000 founders under his guidance, Dwain has supported the launch of national and international ventures, facilitated investment rounds, and helped shape standout investor propositions.

Green Economic Recovery Lead, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, Kingston Council

Ioanna has over 25 years’ experience in sustainable economic development. Her career has focussed on socio-economic research and programme management, as well as setting up partnerships and stakeholder relations. She has developed numerous economic development and climate emergency strategies and she has experience in environmental auditing, including environmental management issues affecting business efficiency, economic development and place competitiveness. Ioanna is currently the lead officer for Green Economic Recovery at Kingston Council.

Director of Operations at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Kingston

Daniel runs the Hotels operations on a day-to-day basis, from bedrooms & bathrooms to bars & brasseries ensuring each check in for the hotel or Bar & Brasserie guest has an unforgettable experience. He is a competent and dynamic individual with sound organisational skills and able to work effectively with people from all backgrounds.

Partner, Russell-Cooke Solicitors

Rachel advises on all aspects of residential property law and specialises in acting for clients with high-net-worth properties in all locations but in particular in the Surrey landed estates such as Fairmile, Claremont, Crown estates and St Georges Hill among others.

Rachel also has wide ranging experience of the London market and has advised in cases involving high value estates such as Rivermead and Cadogan Gardens. She also has many years of experience of cases involving new leases, correcting defective leases, new builds and re-mortgages.