Judges

Director, My Blu Print Ltd

Mark is a Director of My Blu Print Ltd, a Kingston based creative print company. He brings 25 + years of experience across corporate roles and running SME’s. Enthusiasm for new, more efficient technology, coupled with greener, sustainable practices are drivers in his approach to business. Coupled with an instinct to have happier more productive workplaces!

HackCentre Manager, Kingston University London

Amanda worked in the design & advertising production industry for nearly 20 years and transitioned to academia firstly at Brunel then Kingston University in 2018 to manage the HackCentre and run hackathons (challenge-based problem-solving workshops) across the university. Amanda also works with start-ups and established businesses linking them to students and the rich KU academic community for mutually beneficial projects.

Business Partnerships Administrator, Kingston College London

In her role as the Business Partnerships Administrator in the Business Partnerships Team, Elena supports the team by promoting employer engagement, developing both new and existing business opportunities, and handling a variety of administrative duties. Elena is particularly enthusiastic about enhancing community ties through increased participation in local events. She has a background in recruitment with strong experience in client and candidate management working with local businesses which range in size and industry.

Owner, LeBoo Media

Martin is the owner of LeBoo Media, a Kingston-based copywriting and communications consultancy. He joined the Kingston Chamber of Commerce in 2017, and has been a director since 2018. Martin knows what it takes to win at the Kingston Borough Business Awards, having taken the Creative Effectiveness Award last year, and is proud to be a judge this time round.

Senior Communications Manager at Unilever

Katya is an experienced Senior Communications Manager with a demonstrated history of working across the range of communications areas in the consumer goods industry. Skilled in corporate communications, media relations, issues management, change communications, internal communications and employee engagement.

Managing Director of IQinIT

Katerina is the Managing Director of IQ in IT , a cutting edge Cloud IT provider offering cloud based services.

Katerina has been an active member of Kingston Chamber of Commerce for many years and became a Director in 2015. She became President is 2020, our first one elected in a virtual AGM!

Partner, Pearson Hards Solicitors

Claire Darby specialises in all aspects of dispute resolution, including contract, negligence claims, employment matters and landlord and tenant disputes. Claire has an extensive range of dispute resolution experience, both for individual and commercial clients, and is always keen to take on new and challenging cases.

Director, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Howard leads the team at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, across all elements of Britain’s Wildest Adventure; Theme Park, Zoo, Sealife, Hotels & Go Ape! Born in Kingston hospital and raised in the area, Howard has always maintained a strong affiliation with the borough and is now looking forward to celebrating the best businesses in the region.

Corporate Head of Culture and Heritage, Kingston Council

Scott is Corporate Head of Culture and Programme Director, Kingston 2025 at Kingston Council. Previously he was Director of Collections and Cultural Property at Arts Council England and Head of Collections Management at Royal Museums Greenwich. Scott is a Trustee of York Museums Trust and the River and Rowing Museum, Henley and a Kingston resident.

Business Support Manager, Grow London Local

Dan Gomez has been a Business Consultant for the past decade specialising in Operations and Strategy. As a Business Support Manager with Grow London Local, Dan has supported 100’s of Businesses, helping find the most ideal support needed for businesses to grow and become more sustainable.

Former Managing Partner, Holland Hahn & Wills

Chris Hirsch was a former partner at Holland Hahn & Wills, a local Chartered Financial Planners and Wealth Managers company. He has considerable business knowledge acumen and has community links through his role as a Trustee at Kingston Charitable Foundation. Chris is also the current President of Kingston Chamber of Commerce..

Head of Enterprise Education, Kingston University

Martha helps people to be more enterprising in their lives and their businesses. She works with colleagues across Kingston University to encourage building problem-solving and innovation into curriculum; with students to develop their ideas for new products, services, and businesses; with both profit and non-profit organisations to help them to grow. She is responsible for incubation services in the University.

Employment, Skills & Enterprise, Kingston Council

Amanda has been part of the local Kingston’s business community for more than a decade, having held various roles in Kingston Chamber, South London Partnership and now in the Employment, Skills & Enterprise team at Kingston Council. Amanda has also managed a local Business Improvement District (BID) supporting high street activation, she therefore has experience of working with a wide range of businesses and local partners as well as being passionate about the borough and everyone who makes it such a fantastic and thriving location.

Rotary Club

Roger is the Community chair of New Malden Rotary and a member of the steering group of the New Malden Town Centre Partnership. Also chair of governors of a large school in Esher.  Former head of corporate affairs and communications for several international companies and a long time resident of New Malden. 

Roger and Rotary are key partners in the New Malden Business Forum.

Centre Director, the Bentall Centre

Tina Powley-Mapp is a passionate and dedicated professional serving as the Centre Director for the much-loved Bentall Centre in Kingston Upon Thames. With over 25 years of experience in retail management across the UK and Europe, Tina is a seasoned leader in the industry. Recognising the importance of continuous growth and personal development, Tina took the opportunity to pursue higher education in her 40s, adding further depth to her expertise. This journey exemplifies her determination, resilience, and hunger for knowledge. Her approach to integrating corporate social responsibility into business operations is not just inspiring but also sets a benchmark for the industry.

Commercial Director, Time & Leisure Media

Mike is experienced in sales, marketing and advertising across many media channels, working closely with business owners and marketing teams to create and deliver effective campaigns. Passionate about supporting local businesses he became a Director at Kingston Chamber of Commerce in 2020. A previous KBBA winner, Mike is proud to be a judge this year and Time & Leisure Media continues as Media Partners.

Green Economic Recovery Lead, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, Kingston Council

Ioanna has over 25 years’ experience in sustainable economic development. Her career has focussed on socio-economic research and programme management, as well as setting up partnerships and stakeholder relations. She has developed numerous economic development and climate emergency strategies and she has experience in environmental auditing, including environmental management issues affecting business efficiency, economic development and place competitiveness. Ioanna is currently the lead officer for Green Economic Recovery at Kingston Council.

Director of Operations at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Kingston

Daniel runs the Hotels operations on a day-to-day basis, from bedrooms & bathrooms to bars & brasseries ensuring each check in for the hotel or Bar & Brasserie guest has an unforgettable experience. He is a competent and dynamic individual with sound organisational skills and able to work effectively with people from all backgrounds.

Partner, Russell-Cooke Solicitors

Rachel advises on all aspects of residential property law and specialises in acting for clients with high-net-worth properties in all locations but in particular in the Surrey landed estates such as Fairmile, Claremont, Crown estates and St Georges Hill among others.

Rachel also has wide ranging experience of the London market and has advised in cases involving high value estates such as Rivermead and Cadogan Gardens. She also has many years of experience of cases involving new leases, correcting defective leases, new builds and re-mortgages.

President of Rotary Club Surbiton

David is a qualified Chemical Engineer and retired Project Manager from the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry. During his career, he led major engineering projects in the UK, Far East, Middle East and North America. He lives in Surbiton and is married with 3 grown-up children. David is active on community projects in the local area and is currently President of Surbiton Rotary Club.