Remarkable impact of local businesses celebrated at Kingston Borough Business Awards 2024

The annual awards, which are organised by Kingston Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Kingston Council, took place on Thursday 22 February 2024. They recognise the outstanding achievements, innovation and impact of local businesses, educational institutions and social enterprises. 

Among the winners,  local youth work charity Oxygen was recognised for its vital work and positive engagement with young people across the borough, in the Removing Barriers award sponsored by the council.

Over 200 guests attended the awards gala in the historic All Saints Church in Kingston to celebrate the finalists and winners across 15 categories. The range of awards highlights the role the business community plays in fostering inclusion, engaging communities, driving sustainability and positive customer experiences and improving wellbeing across the borough.

The Removing Barriers Champions award was presented to Oxygen on the night by Councillor Alison Holt, Deputy Leader of Kingston Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development & Leisure.  

Councillor Holt said:

“Removing barriers is something all businesses in our borough should aspire to do. Kingston Council works closely with partners including many in the business community to create a fairer borough, where opportunities to succeed are accessible to all. 

 

“We are passionate about supporting Kingston Borough Business Awards, they are an important part of celebrating local businesses and supporting them to showcase best practice. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and nominees and thank them for their remarkable contributions to life in our borough.

 

"I would also like to thank Kingston Chamber of Commerce for organising the event."

Oxygen is a local charity that works with hundreds of young people across Kingston Upon Thames. They have been recognised for the vital work towards fairer and safer Kingston by supporting young people to be happy, safe and successful by removing barriers, creating opportunities and providing and enabling care and support where and when it is needed. 

John Trend, Chief Executive of Oxygen said:

"Oxygen is honoured and delighted to have been recognised for our work by winning the Removing Barriers Champions Award.  In the last 2 years, Oxygen has received over 280 referrals of young people needing support, many of whom are struggling to overcome the challenges they face. 

 

"Our team, including our volunteers, are highly skilled and experienced in building trusting relationships with young people, starting where they are at. I am so proud of our team and very grateful for the support and recognition from our partners. It is so rewarding to see young people discover their potential and to feel that we can give them hope for a brighter future"

Charles Bamford, Deputy Chief Executive of Oxygen said:

"Our staff and volunteers work so hard to support and encourage young people facing major challenges such as mental health issues, unmet special education needs, poverty, social exclusion and risk taking behaviour. Alongside our individual support, projects such as the Oxygen Shop and our local youth work sessions provide safe spaces for young people to develop skills and contribute to their community.

 

"We want to thank RBK and all at the Kingston Awards for believing in our work and believing in young people."

You can find the full list of winners here. 

The Kingston Borough Business Awards celebrate all that is good about local firms. Businesses across the borough can showcase their commitment to responsible practice and best standards through seeking Good Business Charter accreditation. The charter is open to businesses of all sizes, as well as charities and the public sector. Kingston Council has been accredited by the Good Business Charter since 2021, recognising its commitment to high quality employment responsibility, environmental standards, engaging suppliers and customer service. Find out more and sign up to the Good Business Charter.