Business of the Year
Sponsored by LSBU
Winner: Rawlings Opticians
This remarkable team was established in 1895, and is the oldest opticians in Croydon. Rawlings Opticians blend experience and the latest technology to provide the best eye examination for patients, they also supply the latest in spectacles and contact lens technology.
Best Employer
Winner: Vivona Earcare
With a record number of votes for a 2022 category winner, this ear clinic in West Croydon specialises in gold-standard micro suction, the safest and most effective method for ear wax removal. Other services include ear infection management, ear examinations, audiological advice and the provision of ear care pharmaceutical products. Vivona is known for immaculate customer service and very happy patients, evidenced by hundreds of five-star reviews across Trustpilot, Google and Facebook.
Highly commended: HML (B-hive Property Solutions)
Commended: Evolve Housing + Support
Sustainable Green Investment Award
Winner: Cozy Glow
They are a candle manufacturer, brand, e-commerce store and sustainable business leader. A brand you can trust to stock guilt-free gifts that don’t hurt the planet, or suffer from quality issues. Cozy Glow can also be relied on for its personable customer service. Hand-made soy candles, diffusers, essential oils, bath bombs and more, helping to bring its message of inclusivity and planet-friendly business to the world.
Highly commended: Ethstat Ethical Stationery CIC
Community Hero
Sponsored by Flip Out Croydon
Winner: Pastor Bola Thomas, His Grace Evangelical Outreach
A registered charity with services including the school holiday programme for 300 children and His Grace Food Bank addressing the issue of food poverty, food waste, food inequality and deprivation. Beyond Food provision is offered to more than 550 households each week. Empowerment Training, Back2Work Scheme, Youth club, His Grace Safe Space Café are also delivered.
Highly commended: Tyrell Davis-Douglin, Mr. Prospect CIC
Commended: Lucy N Njomo, African Youth Development Association
Inspirational Young Person
Winner: Mashauna Brooks
This young person has gone above and beyond, helping to improve the college service user engagement. In the manager’s absence, she runs the office smoothly and has undergone training in Conflict Resolution, Domestic Violence Awareness and First Aid scoring 100% in all examinations. Mashauna has run a number of initiatives for the homeless in Croydon, donating more than 300 essential rucksack packs to charities including Crisis and the Salvation Army.
Best Business for Customer Service
Winner: Walnuts and Honey
A bespoke bakery in South Norwood that focuses on elaborately flavoured cakes and savoury pastries, in particular, cupcakes. Born out of a love for unique, exotic flavours and baking.
Highly commended: CroyWall Climbing Centre
Commended: Vivona Earcare
Contribution to the Community
Sponsored by HSBC
Winner: Excel Education
Provides high-quality education and training that meets the demands of the current marketplace and develops individual potential. Helps every student achieve their goals and step above and beyond their boundaries by providing a seamless education that sparks innovation and positively impacts communities.
Highly commended: ShopSE19
Commended: Jamaica Valley Distributors
Best New Business
Winner: Haven Wellness
An integrated well-being space combining a shop, natural therapy clinics and wellness workshops. Haven Wellness curates clean and therapeutic products to help clients relax, find peace, protection and health benefits. Its gorgeous products are made by exceptionally talented small makers, often local, and therapists with great intention, show love and respect for you and our planet.
Highly commended: Don Dada Studio
Commended: Flip Out Croydon
Business Commitment to Education & Skills
Sponsored by Croydon College
Winner: Vivona Earcare
Highly commended: Wrights Academy
Commended: HML (B-hive Property Solutions)
Commended: Runway Training
Business Resilience Award
Sponsored by Caridon Group
Winner: DTT Removals
A removals and property clearance company. Whether you require a house or office relocation and/or house and office clearance, DTT Removals Ltd can help. Other services include collections and deliveries, and internal moves.
Commended: Relax-therapy
Highly commended: Pamper Indulge and Give
Best Charity or Social Enterprise
Winner: Children’s Hospital Pyjamas
Collects and purchases brand-new pyjamas for children, gifting them to hospitals, hospices and women’s refuges with a pair of heart cushions, one for the child and one for someone they love. This charity offers support, comfort, and a way of staying connected even when apart.
Highly commended: His Grace Evangelical Outreach
Commended: Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by Sussex Innovation
Winner: Ashley Baruti-Cooke, Cozy Glow
A dreamer, designer, maker, community champion, new author and director of Cozy Glow, Ashley has a passion for low, planet-impact business and has worked as a champion for the Coulsdon business community through the Shop Coulsdon brand and community events.
Highly commended: Kelly Stone, Surrey Beauty Therapy
Commended: Kate Megase, The PGDC
