Congratulations are the order of the day as we name the 49 companies and individuals that have made it onto the shortlist for the Times Business Awards.
They range from kitchen designers, to tailors, to film production companies and creative agencies.
Winners will be announced at a glittering gala dinner to be held at Salomons Estate on Wednesday, June 13, with the awards themselves being presented by television personality Michael Portillo.
Guests at the black tie gathering will be treated to a drinks reception and a chance to network with some of the most successful and influential business leaders in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Malling.
Included in the ticket, is a three course meal, live music until mid-night and, of course, a dancefloor. And everyone has the chance to enjoy the evening, as all our readers are invited, not just the nominees or those in business.
THE FINALISTS
START-UP BUSINESS AWARD
Sponsored by: Thomson Snell & Passmore
Gray & Co Menswear retailer based in Chapel Place in Tunbridge Wells.
Thompson Spare Popular estate agency and art gallery on Tunbridge Wells High Street, with an emphasis on the customer.
Twelve Yards Out Creative agency who help businesses and design agencies develop brands, with purpose and punch.
Big Orange Media Marketing agency dedicated to helping local businesses in West Kent reach their full potential.
CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by: John Bullock Design
YoYo Design Creative agency, based in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, who design websites and advertising among other projects.
Rencraft Bespoke kitchen designers and manufacturers handmade in Tunbridge Wells.
Furniture Craft School Based on the beautiful Scotney Castle estate, Furniture Craft School offers a highly individual approach to teaching and learning.
Vince Media Content and film production company, based in Tunbridge Wells.
Hardman & Hemming Southborough company committed to offering a full tailoring service direct to people at home or work and making tailoring accessible to everyone.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by: Big Orange Media
Hollie’s Little Cakery Southborough business which makes and sells bespoke wedding cakes.
Bora Studio Pilates clinic clothing are offered in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.
Clarke Williams (Henry Clarke) Insurance brokers in Tonbridge that Mr Clarke co-founded.
Max Oliver Traditionally based in Crowborough, this male hair salon has now opened in Tunbridge Wells.
Pasta Verdi Sevenoaks Italian restaurant which has won plaudits online.
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by: Loch Associates Group
DMP-LLP: John Whitlock Chartered building surveyors in Tunbridge Wells with 23 years of experience.
Party Doctors: Daniel Kenney Edenbridge-based event supplies, planning and production company.
Runway Training: Oliver Trailor Specialist provider of maths and English functional skills qualifications, based in Tonbridge.
Vince Media: Christian Gane Content and film production company, based in Earls Road, Tunbridge Wells.
FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The Spa Hotel Elegant hotel and wedding venue with 14 acres of grounds in Tunbridge Wells.
Sussex Timber Products Provides timber buildings of quality for domestic and commercial use.
Abbey Funeral Services A Tonbridge-based company with more than 30 years’ experience.
Newton Waterproofing Systems Newton, located in Tonbridge, provide the best solutions for architects, developers, contractors and homeowners to protect properties against damage from water leaks and dampness.
Max Oliver Traditionally based in Crowborough, this male hair salon has now opened in Tunbridge Wells.
BEST BUSINESS 1-25 EMPLOYEES
Sponsored by: Ginger Monkeys
YoYo Design Creative agency, based in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, who design websites and advertising among other projects.
Water Process Solutions A provider of engineered solutions to a wide range of water treatment problems. Based in Aylesford.
John Bullock Design Dedicated and award-winning architectural designers working on projects all over the South East.
Olive Tree Building Services Honest and reliable Tunbridge Wells construction company.
TN Recruits Innovative Tunbridge Wells recruitment agency providing candidates to companies and jobs to candidates.
Loch Associates Group Experts in developing solutions to help organisations manage and look after their people, with offices in Tunbridge Wells, Brighton and London.
Runway Training Specialist provider of maths and English Functional Skills qualifications, based in Tonbridge.
HR Revolution A Tunbridge Wells-based human resources firm with a focus on putting people first.
BEST BUSINESS 25+ EMPLOYEES
Sponsored by: Handelsbanken
Hever Castle & Gardens A premier tourist attraction in the heart of West Kent which has connections to the Boleyn family.
Infinity Group One of the largest providers of IT support in Kent, Infinity Group is based in Tunbridge Wells.
Ansacom Quality answerphone machine services are provided by this Southborough company.
Base Quantum Chartered quantity surveyors, based in a number of locations, including Tunbridge Wells.
Newton Waterproofing Systems Newton, located in Tonbridge, provide the best solutions for architects, developers, contractors and homeowners to protect properties against damage from water leaks and dampness.
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by: Stiddard Wealth
Water Process Solutions A provider of engineered solutions to a wide range of water treatment problems. Based in Aylesford.
Infinity Group One of the largest providers of IT support in Kent, Infinity Group is based in Tunbridge Wells.
SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Rencraft Bespoke kitchen designers and manufacturers. Kitchens and furniture handmade in Tunbridge Wells.
Infinity Group One of the largest providers of IT support in Kent, Infinity Group is based in Tunbridge Wells.
Ansacom Ltd Quality answerphone machine services are provided by this Southborough company.
Abbey Funeral Services A Tonbridge-based company with more than 30 years’ experience.
GingerMay PR An award-winning global communications and PR consultancy for businesses, based on The Pantiles.
John Bullock Design Dedicated and award-winning architectural designers working on projects all over the South East.
HR Revolution A Tunbridge Wells-based Human Resources firm with a focus on putting people first.
Chamberlain Court Care Home A friendly and affordable care home, based in Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Sharp Minds: Nick Humphrey Sharp Minds offers a portfolio of marketing and communications services from their Langton Green office.
HR Advise Me: Julie Nicholds HR Advise Me are leading HR consultants, based in Tunbridge Wells as well as in Brighton and London.
Strength & Conditioning: Craig Libby Based in Tonbridge, SCI was founded in 2012 by National Level Strength Coaches Alex and Martin to provide a level of training and expertise for people of all ages and abilities previously unseen in the fitness industry.
Tickets are £95 each or £850 for a table of ten. To secure your place call Lara Milan on [01892] 739764.
