Elephant restaurant wins Black Business Award

The awards ceremony at the London Hilton was organised by Black Business Initiative (BBI), and on Saturday 15 awards were handed out to shining examples of professionalism and commitment.

BBI held the event for the third year running, and awards included those for Entrepreneur of the Year, Global Enterprise, Entertainment, Fashion and Youth Enterprise.

"This is about recognising the contributions black businesses make, promoting diversity and social cohesion, and empowering people," explains Sunny Lambe, founder and executive director of BBI.

"And that diversity was clearly reflected on the night, when over 200 people attended from all sections of the community."

SE1 organisations to win awards included Famin Uddin of Castle Tandoori who picked up the hospitality award.

And GLE oneLondon's Business Advice Service South Central won the Enterprise Agency of the Year category.

Peter Thackwray, MD of GLE oneLondon which has its head office in St Thomas' Street, commented: "I'm extremely pleased that GLE oneLondon has won for a second year, as it demonstrates the consistent high standards we seek to provide to the business community in Southwark and Lambeth, and the partnerships built with other business organisations has once again been recognised."

Cllr Nick Stanton, leader of Southwark Council, presented an award, and was joined at the event by the Mayor Cllr Paul Kyriacou, and Cllr Columba Blango, executive member for citizenship, equalities and communities.

Cllr Stanton said: "This is an extremely important event in Southwark's calendar and a great way of showcasing the talented businessmen and women of the borough.

"Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) businesses have a strong role to play in the community, and their contribution is one of the reasons why Southwark is a very attractive place to work.

"It was an honour to be invited to the event, and on behalf of the whole of Southwark Council, I'd like to praise the commitment and entrepreneurial drive of all those who received awards at the ceremony.

"These awards are a clear indication of the quality of business talent in the borough, and it is this talent which the council seeks to help with various initiatives."