Wednesday 1^st October saw the launch of the 2009 Lambeth Business Awards, which took place at a breakfast meeting at the National Theatre. Now in their second year, the Lambeth Business Awards have been developed to reward and celebrate Lambeth's vibrant and dynamic business community. The Awards are a major annual event and a focal point for business networking.

Councillor John Kazantzis, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise said "Lambeth is a vibrant and diverse borough with a wealth of burgeoning business talent and potential. The annual Business Awards programme celebrates that talent and I would encourage allcomers - from every business sector - to join us in showcasing the borough's business talent and potential."

To mark the launch of the Awards Lambeth Business Awards are hosting five local promotional events to encourage companies to enter.

• 7^th October – 8am – Ritzy Theatre, Brixton
• 7^th October – 12pm – Almina Restaurant, Norwood
• 8^th October – 12.30pm – Chilli Chutney, Streatham
• 8^th October – 5.30pm – Clapham Picture House, Clapham

Entry to the Awards is free and each category winner will receive up to £1000 in prize money.

This year's categories are as follows;

• Lambeth Business of the Year
• Best Cultural and Creative business
• Best green business
• Best hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism business
• Best Employer (which replaces last year's Best Enterprise for Learning & Development)
• Best social enterprise
• Best customer service
• Best woman in business
• Best young entrepreneur
• Best Licensed Market Trader
• Best Retailer
• The Innovation Award