Top entrepreneurs from east London, Kent and Essex scooped awards at Archant’s annual Thames Gateway Business Awards tonight in Canary Wharf.

Big, small, new and old business enterprises all won recognition for a successful year’s work - and a range of awards were dished out to the winners of each category.

IT firm Nutbourne Ltd scooped the coveted award Company of the Year - as well as Small Business of the Year and Employer of the Year.

Co-founder Marcus Evans said: “It’s great recognition for our staff - we’re so pleased to have done so well.

“It has been a great evening. We will definitely be back next year!”

The £12,000 Archant advertising packet, which was the prize for winning the Judges Award, went to Radfield Home Care Havering and Brentwood, who will be using the package to help boost their revenues ahead of next year’s event.

“We are massively proud of all our team,” said director Jennie Bardrick.

Uniform 7 won New Business of the Year. Rachael Richards set up the firm after a redundancy - and the judges said since then she has built up a good knowledge of her new industry.

“I’m chuffed to bits, I’ll definitely be back next year,” she said.

Business Person of the Year went to Karen West-Whylie for her work at the Barking Enterprise Centre, which offers support to entrepreneurs and their businesses.

And Young Entrepreneur of the Year went to Lauren Pavey from dog grooming service The Doghouse.

“It’s pretty insane - I have got to thank my family. They give me the drive I need to succeed.”

The Customer Service Award went to Palmers Solicitors for their work handling difficult situations in a sensitive and professional manner.

The Innovation Award went to IT company PAESUK LTD. Director Altaf Patel said: “It’s a great achievement and all the hard work we have put in has paid off.”

And Boathouse Cafe and Bar won Commercial Business in the Community for the fantastic contribution it makes to Barking by showcasing local artists, musicians.

“This award isn’t just for me - it’s for all the people we serve and everyone in our community,” said Dereck Daniel.

Congratulations were extended to all entries by TV personality Charlie Webster on behalf of everyone at Archant. There were lots of very strong entries, she said.

Guests enjoyed a three course meal at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf, and members of the business community had an enjoyable evening of food, drink, conversation and dancing.