Over 400 guests filled the Grand Marquee in Bluewater on Thursday night for the Dartford Business Awards, where local businesses were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community.
It was another fantastic year for entries with over 50 local businesses applying, which ensured a wide range of businesses were celebrated and commended.
To match the evening’s Best of British theme, guests were treated to live entertainment including performances by tributes to Oasis and Ed Sheeran, along with local band Beer Pressure who got everyone singing along. A mystery special guest was revealed to be 90s star Rozalla, who wowed crowds with her smash hit ‘Everybody’s Free’, and ensured the party vibe continued throughout the night.
A judging panel and sponsors came together to select and recognise the best of Dartford’s businesses. On the night, commended businesses were announced before the overall winners were awarded their certificates. With such a diverse array of nominees, the night showcased the incredible range and quality of businesses that Dartford has to offer.
Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite said, “2025 has been another fantastic year for businesses, and I am so proud of the brilliant local businesses we have in Dartford. Nights like this are so important to highlight all the incredible hard work that goes into ensuring our community continues to thrive and grow, and I hear that everyone had a great time!”
The winners from the night are:
Best Owner-Managed Business – sponsored by The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre, Oxford Innovation Space and ARC UK
- Growler Stop – Hospitality Sector
- Newsstand Comics – Retail Sector
- Priory Flowers – Retail Sector
- Mead Veterinary Centre – Services Sector
- Dean’s Gentlemen’s Salon – Services Sector
Shop of the Year – sponsored by Bluewater
- Longfield Village Butchers
- Sally Bee’s
- Daisy’s Dog Empawrium Ltd
- Harden Holidays
Employee of the Year – sponsored by The Learning Shop and Fairfield Leisure
- James King – Sally Bee’s
- Michael Sandford – Wincanton Ltd
- Jenny Evans – Doubletree by Hilton Dartford Bridge
Young Persons’ Award– sponsored by North Kent College and Made in Kent Radio
- Ellie Doodney – We Are Beams
- Lucia Zammit – We Are Beams
- Tommy Tremain – Dean’s Gentleman’s Salon
- Harrison Ibidunni – Refocus Project ltd
- Stephan Kornilovski – Cortec IT Solutions Ltd
- Megi Bici – North Kent College Dartford
- Stanley Smith – North Kent College Dartford
- Megan Bumstead – North Kent College Dartford
- Maia Ellen Rees – North Kent College Dartford
- Jay Howell – Crago Auto Repairs Ltd
- Anabelle Nartey – Love to Tutor
Good for Society Award – sponsored by Downton & Ali Associates and Fox Estate Agents
- Safer Communities Alliance CIC
- Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled
Good for the Community Award – sponsored by Amazon LCY3
- Russell Fewins Limited
- Ray-Cay Holdings Ltd. (Home Instead Dartford)
Bluewater Award – sponsored by Bluewater
- Big Easy Restaurant – Food & Beverage Sector
- Nespresso – Retail Sector
- Hangloose Adventure – Services & Leisure Sector
Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award – sponsored by Dartford Living
- Growler Stop
- The Lounge / Crossways Community Church
- Massage Holistic Therapy Ltd
To find out more about the Dartford Business Awards, visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.co.uk, or contact businessawards@dartford.gov.uk. Additionally, you can like the Awards on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dartfordbusinessawards or follow on X at www.twitter.com/Dartford_Biz
Amazon LCY3 – ARC UK – Bluewater Shopping Centre – Cohesion Plus – Dartford Living – Downton & Ali Associates – Fairfield Leisure – Fox Estate Agents – Made in Kent Radio – North Kent College – Oxford Innovation Space – The Learning Shop – The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre
Photos Simon Hildrew/Dartford Borough Council
