Kingston celebrated its top businesses at the 2025 Borough Business Awards, with South Side Theatre Academy winning Best Cultural Enterprise for its work in empowering young people through inclusive theatre.
Kingston’s business community came together for a night of celebration and inspiration at the Kingston Borough Business Awards, recognising the remarkable achievements of local enterprises that are helping shape a thriving, inclusive and forward-looking borough.
Held for the first time at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Kingston, the annual awards—organised by Kingston Chamber of Commerce and proudly sponsored by Kingston Council—shone a spotlight on the individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference to the borough’s economy, culture and communities.
The 2025 edition celebrated 48 finalists across 16 diverse categories, ranging from innovation and sustainability to customer service, wellbeing and inclusion. Among the standout winners was South Side Theatre Academy, which took home the Best Cultural Enterprise Award, a category sponsored by the council.
“Just to be nominated, alongside two giants of the Kingston culture scene, in the Rose Theatre and Kingston International Film Festival was incredible, but to win has blown us away.”
Toby Ward-Smith, Artistic Director, South Side Theatre Academy
Honouring Cultural Excellence
Based in Surbiton, South Side Theatre Academy is an award-winning organisation dedicated to widening access to the performing arts. By providing affordable theatre training for young people, the group aims to break down socio-economic barriers and increase diversity in the cultural scene. Their win was a testament to the organisation’s deep community roots and transformative work.
Toby Ward-Smith, Artistic Director of South Side Theatre Academy, expressed his excitement:
“Just to be nominated, alongside two giants of the Kingston culture scene—the Rose Theatre and Kingston International Film Festival—was incredible, but to win has blown us away. This award isn’t just for us; it’s for every young person who dared to dream. Who found their voice in the dark, and who now know that their story matters!”
The award reinforces Kingston’s commitment to the arts and the power of culture to empower, inspire and unite communities.
Leadership in Business, Community and Culture
Speaking at the event, Cllr Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Kingston Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture, praised the business community’s resilience and innovation:
“Kingston Council is committed to giving businesses opportunities to grow and succeed, and to ensuring inclusive employment for all. This year, as we celebrate ‘Kingston 2025’—marking 1100 years since the crowning of King Athelstan—it was especially fitting to sponsor the Best Cultural Enterprise Award. Cultural organisations like South Side Theatre Academy make a lasting contribution to the local economy and to our sense of place and identity.”
Cllr Kirsch went on to highlight how the event plays a key role in celebrating Kingston’s diversity, creativity and ambition:
“The Kingston Borough Business Awards are more than just an occasion to hand out trophies. They are about recognising the people behind the businesses—those who create jobs, drive innovation, engage with communities and enhance the borough in countless ways.”
Looking to the Future
Forbes Low, CEO of Kingston Chamber of Commerce, said the awards come at a vital moment for local enterprise:
“In a period of challenges, the finalists of the 2025 awards have provided hope, inspiration and optimism for Kingston’s future. Every year, the bar is raised—and every year, our business community rises to meet it. We are proud to champion their success.”
This year’s awards were not only a celebration of excellence but also a demonstration of Kingston’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive economy. As outlined in the borough’s Economic Development Strategy 2024–2028, Kingston aims to become a beacon for businesses that drive positive change, promote green innovation, and reflect the borough’s rich cultural heritage.
The strategy underlines the ambition for Kingston to be “a place where business flourishes and investment serves all parts of the borough”, with a green economy and community impact at its core.
Recognition That Matters
The night’s festivities concluded with a sense of shared pride. From small enterprises and start-ups to major institutions and cultural leaders, the 2025 Kingston Borough Business Awards demonstrated how deeply embedded local businesses are in the borough’s identity and future success.
In recognising organisations like South Side Theatre Academy, Kingston isn’t just celebrating business—it is also celebrating inclusion, creativity, youth empowerment and community spirit.
