After receiving literally hundreds of entries for this year’s prestigious 2013 Croydon Business Awards in association with Barclays, the expert panel of independent judges faced the difficult task of having to whittle them down to the final shortlist.

A tough job, but they finally all agreed and we're pleased to be able to announce the 41 finalists.

The free to enter awards have nine categories that can be entered into directly by the business. The tenth category – Business of the Year - is to be decided by a panel of independent judges.

All Winners automatically qualify for their relevant category in the South London Business Awards which is being held in July 2013.

The aim of the awards is to shine a spotlight on the best businesses in Croydon.

And of course, thebestof Croydon is absolutely delighted to say that some of our very own clients who we already recognise as being utterly brilliant, are also being recognised by these awards!

In particular, we'd like to mention the fantastic JAM Hair, who's up for the FSB sponsored 'Real Life Entrepreneur' award. We're delighted that Jacqui Marola and her team are receiving recognition for all their hard work. 

Another bestof Croydon client, Catherine Johnstone Recruitment are also receiving acknowledgement for their excellent service to their clients and customers by being finalised in the 'Best Business for Customer Service' Award.

And there's the Jurys Inn Hotel too, who are ahead of the pack by being finalised for 2 awards! They're up for the 'Best in Development and Training' and it's easy to see why, with such helpful and friendly staff. But they're also finalists in the 'Best Green Business - Sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services'.  Well done Jurys Inn!

The reviews on thebestof Croydon for all these excellent Croydon businesses speak for themselves as to why they're shortlisted this year.

Each category and the full list of finalists is as follows:

Best Small Business - Sponsored by Owadally & King Chartered Accountant
AOB UK Ltd
Arnold & Baldwin Chartered Surveyors
Foxwood Residential Ltd
Phase 1 Enterprise Ltd
Rightpath Insurance Solutions Ltd
T & K Accounting Group
The Little Bay
The Valet Male Grooming

Best Medium Sized Business
Artemis Insurance Brokers Ltd
CCHA
Martek Contracts Ltd
Sheriffs High Court Enforcement Ltd T/A The Sheriffs Office
SLE Ltd
Stiles Harold Williams
William Murray
Wings Transport Ltd


Commitment to the Community - Sponsored by the Fairfield Halls
Allianz Global Assistance
Cleankill Environmental Services
Croydon Business Improvement District
Croydon Merton & Sutton Credit Union
Phase 1 Enterprise Ltd
PJ's Community Service

Best Business for Training and Development
Allianz Global Assistance
AOB UK Ltd
Blackfords LLP
Flemmings
Jurys Inn Croydon
Stiles Harold Williams

The FSB Real Life Entrepreneur - Sponsored by the Federation of Small Business
Be Styled UK
BLC Property Services Ltd
Garden King
JAM Hair Sanderstead
Rightpath Insurance Solutions Ltd
The Valet Male Grooming

Best Business for Customer Service
Blackfords LLP
Catherine Johnstone Recruitment
Croydon Park Hotel
Flemmings
Handelsbanken
RME Redesign Ltd TA Dream Doors
Signs Express Croydon
Synergy Nutrition

Best New Business Sponsored by Croydon Park Hotel
Top Move Estate Agents
Be Styled UK
Foxwood Residential Ltd
Garden King
Gooey UK Ltd
Tenants History Ltd


Best Green Business - Sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services
Cleankill Environmental Services
Croydon Park Hotel
Garden King
Jurys Inn Croydon
Martek Contracts Ltd
Stiles Harold Williams

Best Business for Work Related Learning or Employment for Young People - Sponsored by Croydon Council
BLC Property Services Ltd
My Social Media PA
Parchmore Pre-school
PJ's Community Service
Saint Cyprians Greek Orthodox Primary School
Star Child Montessori Day Nursery

The winners of each category and the overall Business of the Year award will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on 1st May 2013 at Fairfield Halls, Croydon.

To book your tickets for the dinner email awards@southlondonbusiness.co.uk or call 020 8253 4256.

Follow the awards on Twitter @BusinessAwards1