Bexley Business Excellence Awards 2020 now Open for Entries Following Launch at Innovative Engine House

February 14, 2020

Photos show the Engine House and Orbit’s Eric Hodges and Leader of Bexley Council, Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE cutting the ribbon to declare the business hub open)

The eighth annual Bexley Business Excellence Awards in association with Ocado is now inviting entries after an inspirational launch event at the Engine House.

Not only were the speeches on February 5, 2020 about the tremendous success of the borough’s premier business awards, they also focused on the great work the venue itself, formerly known as the Thames Innovation Centre, was doing to help businesses thrive. The newly-renovated Engine House, a short walk from Belvedere and Abbey Wood stations, offers workspace for start-ups, entrepreneurs and growing teams.

Councillor Val Clark, Engine House chairman, said: “The rebranded name reflects and pays homage to Bexley’s industrial past, and the drive to power businesses forward while working with the local community.”

Erith-based housing association, Orbit Housing, sponsored the launch. Placemaking & Partnerships Manager, Community Investment, Eric Hodges, said: “Supporting business and enterprise locally is a central pillar of Orbit’s community investment activity. A robust business sector leads to more local opportunity and directly supports Orbit’s ambitions of building thriving communities.”

The Awards are organised by White Label, in partnership with London Borough of Bexley and Bexley for Business.

Cllr Louie French, deputy leader of Bexley Council, said: “We had an amazing year for the awards in 2019. We had a record number of entries from a diverse range of businesses. The awards provide opportunities for businesses, from marketing to networking not to mention the Gala Dinner and I would encourage you to enter.

“2019 was also the year that Bexley became the number one London borough for apprenticeships. We have set that benchmark and we need to try and stay there.”

Ocado is the Awards headline sponsor.

General manager Stephen Hammond: “Ocado is very proud to once again be sponsoring the Bexley Business Excellence Awards for the fifth year running. We have been operational in Erith for nearly two years now and since our launch, we have strived to build partnerships with businesses in the local community. Last year we invited the winners of the awards to come and see our site, including our impressive army of over 1,000 robots, the feedback we received was very positive and it gave me and my team a chance to meet with local business leaders and further strengthen our relationships.

“Last year we saw many small businesses reach out for some recognition within certain categories, but, if I’m honest, they are all winners given the effort they all put into their businesses in their day to day activities, but, of course, as always there are some that go the extra mile and it’s those people we should recognise and appreciate, and the Bexley Awards is the place to do so!

“Good luck to all taking part.”

The Awards offer 12 free-to-enter categories and are open to businesses of all sizes and across all sectors in the borough.

The 2020 winners, including the overall Bexley Business of the Year, will be exclusively announced at the glittering, black-tie Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony hosted by a celebrity compere at Hall Place and Gardens on Thursday, June 18.

Awards sponsors also include Aitch Group, Bellway, Bexleyheath BID; Crayford Greyhound Track; London South East Colleges; Learning and Enterprise College Bexley. They are supported by the Bexley Times, D&S Frames, Maid on a Mission, Mobile Bar Hire and Northgate Public Services.

Submit your entry at: www.bexleyawards.co.uk