THE eyes of Bexley were on the Marriott Hotel as the winners of the Bexley Business Awards were announced.

Across nine different categories, the first-ever Bexley Business Awards showcased the best business talent the borough offers.

More than 240 guests attended the glittering ceremony, which was hosted by Alan Dedicoat, known as the voice of the National Lottery draw and for his voiceovers on Strictly Come Dancing.

Winner of the commitment to the community award, which was sponsored by News Shopper, was t.e.a.m consultancy, a company which has only been in business for a year.

Boss Natalee Barry, who also won entrepreneur of the year, said: “This award is not just for me, it’s for everyone we work with.

“I’m amazed we have achieved this after just one year.”

Bexley Council cabinet member for economic development and regeneration Councillor Linda Bailey said: “Although this is the first year we have hosted the awards, the response has been tremendous. “The quality of the entries only goes to show Bexley businesses are innovative, hard working and deserve to be recognised for their achievements.”

Best SME Business

Winner: Distributor Systems International Ltd

Highly commended: Xtreme Vortex

Commended: Broadcast RF Ltd

Best Business for Customer Service

Winner: Pilates Body Studio Ltd

Highly commended: M.A.P Chartered Surveyors

Commended: LA One Unisex Hair Design

Best Business for Training and Development

Winner: Erith Contractors Ltd

Highly commended: Plastering Contractors (Stanmore) Ltd

Commended: Deaf Umbrella

Business Innovation Award Winner: 8point3 LED

Highly commended: Broadcast RF Ltd

Highly commended: Clearway Environmental Services (UK) Ltd

Commitment to the Community — Sponsored by News Shopper

Winner: t.e.a.m consultancy

Highly commended: Frankham Consultancy Group

Commended: Bridge Mental Health

Best Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism Business

Winner: Mobile Bar Hire Ltd

Highly commended: Shobiz Hair & Beauty

Commended: Xtreme Vortex

Retailer of the Year — Sponsored by Bexleyheath Business Partnership

Winner: Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath

Highly commended: Shobiz Hair & Beauty

Commended: t.e.a.m consultancy

Best New Business — Sponsored by Acorn Industrial Park

Winner: 4 Training & Consultancy Ltd

Highly commended: Amalgamated Platform Lifts

Commended: Bluebird Care (Bexley)

Entrepreneur of the Year

Winner: Natalee Barry, t.e.a.m consultancy

Business of the Year — Sponsored by Barclays

Winner: 8point3 LED