With more than 100 applications returned, it has been one of the most heavily entered Times Business Awards since the event began back in 2016.
Entrants this year have been incredibly varied, ranging from hair salons and solicitors to recruitment and HR firms.
Following a challenging two years for the businesses in West Kent, those shortlisted have a chance to finally celebrate their success and resilience at the gala awards evening at Salomons Estate on Thursday March 24.
Joining them and hosting this year’s awards will be none other than daytime TV legend and the most recent presenter at GB News, Eamonn Holmes.
The shortlisted entries will now be passed to the judging team, who have the unenviable task of choosing just one business from each of the ten categories to find an overall winner.
Winners will be announced at the gala event itself, which promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated networking events of the last two years.
Richard Williams, Editor of the Times of Tunbridge Wells, said: “It never ceases to amaze me how varied and diverse the businesses in the area are.
“The gala night on March 24 promises to be such an exciting night when we get to find out which of these fantastic businesses have won.”
And the lucky shortlisted entries for this year are…
Best Business 1-25 Employees
Here we recognise owner-managers and SMEs employing up to 25 people that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance.
Finalists:
HR Revolution
Retail Fire
The Gallery Hair
TN Recruits
Sponsored by: Charles Stanley
Best Business 25+ Employees
For larger firms that have consistent growth and strong financial performance alongside an engaged workforce and a business plan.
Finalists:
Thomas Mansfield
GSE Building & Engineering
Ansacom
Sponsored by: The Finance Hub
Creative Business of the Year
To recognise those businesses based on innovation and creative thinking.
Finalists:
The Gallery Hair
Digitom
Sharp Relations
Max Oliver
Sponsored by: HR Revolution
Entrepreneur of the Year
The award for the most dynamic individuals who and are able to demonstrate significant success in growing their company.
Finalists:
Clarity Homes & Commercial
Colley Raine
Corker Outdoors
Sharp Thinking
Sponsored by: Brewin Dolphin
Best Family Business of the Year
This category recognises those businesses that have the passion and commitment that comes with a company run by a family concern.
Finalists:
Sussex Beds
Corker Outdoors
Jaques of London
The Meek Boutique
Sponsored by: Childrensalon
Best in Food and Drink
For those local business that provide truly remarkable food and/or drink in the area.
Finalists:
Balfour Winery
The Blue Anchor
The George & Dragon
Sponsored by: SitSmart
Resilient Business
The winner of this category will have risen to the recent challenges of the pandemic and diversified or come up with a new business strategy to adopt to the ‘new normal’.
Finalists:
Energise E-Bikes
IPT Fitness
Thomas Mansfield
TN Recruits
Sponsored by: Handelsbanken
Start-Up Business of the Year
This award recognises new start-ups under two years old at the closing date for entries.
Finalists:
lumière
Manic Ceramix
The TN Card
TAW Hairdressing
Sponsored by: Pushkin Antiques
Young Business Person of the Year
Entrants for this award must be aged 30 or under by the entry closing date of February 14 2022 and need to show they have a clear vision or strategy for their business.
Finalists:
Oliver Corkery (Corker Outdoors)
Joseph Trinder (Gorringe’s)
Jack Sales (TN Accountancy)
Sponsored by: Lawson Commercial
Outstanding Business of the Year
The ultimate award of all the categories will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in their enterprise, as well as sound management practices.
Finalists:
Ansacom
Corker Outdoors
Sharp Relations
TN Recruits
Sponsored by: Thomson, Snell & Passmore
Times Business Awards are held in collaboration with Lexus
COME AND MEET THE HOST…
Finalists of the 2022 Times Business Awards will find out if they have won during the gala evening at Salomons Estate on Thursday March 24, hosted by none other than former This Morning host and the latest GB News presenter, Eamonn Holmes.
