Times of Tunbridge Wells 5th June 2019

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

The 2019 winners take to the stage

Simply the best in the business From outstanding individuals to multimillion-pound companies By Jonathan Banks WHAT a splendid night the Times Business Awards 2019 turned out to be. One of television’s most beloved figures, ballroom dancer Anton du Beke, wowed a sell-out audience of more than 200 people before handing out the awards themselves. The legend from BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing proved the icing on the cake when the finalists gathered for a black-tie gala night at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday. Businesses from around West Kent came together to celebrate the quality and range of talent across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. More than 40 businesses had made the shortlist in the ten categories. They

ranged from large, well-established companies to small start-ups and individual entrepreneurs – all leaders in their respective fields. Chair of the judging panel Jo James, CEO of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “What really amazed me this year was the breadth of talent and the number of new companies that have entered.” Winners on the night were ‘over the moon’. Young Business Person of the Year Anton du Beke Sean Rozen: “I never

thought I’d win. In fact, my mum signed me up. I’m so glad she did.” While Entrepreneur of the Year

‘I am delighted to be back in the area. I really enjoy celebrations of local businesses’ Claire Burroughs commented: “It is such good payback for all our hard work.” John Ould of Archway Automotive, which took the Service Exellence Award, said: “We are in our 20th year, but this the first time

we have entered the awards.” Social media was buzzing on the night, with the @TimesLocalNews Tweets reaching an incredible 50,000 users as the awards were announced, and as people caught up the next day. Among them was former Big Brother presenter and local resident Davina McCall, who screamed ‘Yeeessss’ when SPN Lifestyle took the title of StartUp Business. Anton also liked several Times’ Tweets and retweeted to his 225,000 followers. At the awards, Anton, originally from Sevenoaks, said: “I am delighted to be back in the area. I really enjoy celebrations of local businesses.”

For more see pages 10-15


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