South Kilburn Trust hosted the awards which recognised the success of local entrepreneurs, businesses and community groups.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Trust chief executive Mark Allan, Brent Mayor Parvez Ahmed and Independent Chair of South Kilburn Trust Ros Dunn (Photo: Mattia Alunni Cardinali)Trust chief executive Mark Allan, Brent Mayor Parvez Ahmed and Independent Chair of South Kilburn Trust Ros Dunn (Photo: Mattia Alunni Cardinali) (Image: Mattia Alunni Cardinali)

Almost 100 guests, including the Mayor of Brent, descended on South Kilburn Studios for the event whose nominees included designers, music producers and the night’s big winners - sports coaching chrity the London Baketball Association.

After being handed the Innovator Award and then Entrepreneur of the Year, the charity’s founder, Tony Lazare, praised the support handed down by the studio’s staff.

“Without these studios our growth and projection would not be what they are right now,” he said.

“We just really make an effort to get out of bed every morning, passionate and committed to what we do, and we help a lot of people so thank you.”

Presenting the latter award, Mayor of Brent Parvez Ahmed, told the assembled audience that the area “has a special place in [his] heart”.

South Kilburn Trust’s chief executive opened the ceremony, telling those in attendance: “South Kilburn is full of creative, inspiring and hard-working entrepreneurs and tonight is all about showcasing the great business community we have here.”

Brent-born comedian Mr Cee provided the laughs as host while also offering his own pearls of wisdom by recounting his self-driven success and urged the entrepreneurs to “embrace and learn” during their time at the studios.

The night’s other winners included hand-made jewellery and accessories designer Deborah Besana who was named Successful Start-Up; the Somali Community Group who were recognised with the Filling the Gap award; clothing designer Darren Fontaine whose work on his brand Starsky Clouds earned him the nod for the Young Entrepreneur award; and community group Elite Sports & Leisure who took home the Give-Back Award.

The Trust has indicated that the Love Business programme along with the Enterprise Awards will return next year following positive feedback from residents and partners.