SURREY HILLS ENTERPRISES MEMBER’S AWARDS & ANNUAL EVENT

5th March 2019

80 Businesses from across the Surrey Hills gathered at the stunning Barnett Hill Hotel in Blackheath for the first Surrey Hills Enterprises Annual Celebration and Awards last week.

Jim Glover, High Sheriff of Surrey formally opened the event and congratulated the businesses on their prestigious Trade Mark Surrey Hills accreditation, a mark of local provenance and quality.

Simon Whalley, Chairman of Surrey Hills Enterprises welcomed guests and said, ‘We are delighted to be welcoming and celebrating so many of our extraordinary business Members this evening. The event is a recognition of our local businesses and the contribution they make to the rural economy and the Surrey Hills’.

Surrey Hills Enterprises thanked their Corporate Partners Charles Russell Speechlys, Wilkins Kennedy and Birtley House for their continuing support and welcomed Lexus Guildford, Kier and Gatwick as new supporters.

Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director said ‘Surrey Hills is a very special and unique place and we have equally extraordinary and inspiring local Surrey Hills businesses who are producing a fantastic range of local products and services. We congratulate all our Members on their Trade Mark Surrey Hills awards’.

Ann Moriarty, the creator of the original concept said ‘The Trade Mark Surrey Hills promotes the best of what Surrey has to offer and celebrates those organisations who share the values of supporting the local environment’. Ann announced the Gold Awards, made to Surrey Hills Members who have excelled in their collaboration with other businesses, improving environmental sustainability and conserve the Surrey Hills.

The Gold Trade Mark Surrey Hills was awarded to Shere Kitchens and to Clandon Wood Nature Reserve & Natural Burial Ground. The Award recognises their collaboration and active support for Surrey Hills and their joint initiative to plant elm trees at Clandon Wood to connect to two populations of a rare butterfly. The initiative was inspired by their Surrey Hills membership and is an exemplar of businesses with sustainability and collaboration at the core of their business.

The ‘Surrey Hills Young Entrepreneur’ was awarded to 2 talented young people who live in the Surrey Hills and who have developed outstanding skills within their chosen field.

Luke Whatley-Bigg of Photography Possibilities, an outstanding photographer, videographer and qualified drone pilot working at a very high standard has produced a range of Surrey Hills films including the Surrey Hills Wood Fair and is working with other Surrey Hills Members to produce videos of their work.

Jack Kerr of JK Forges is an outstanding Blacksmith who has honed and developed his skills and is producing outstanding pieces of work and taking on commissions. Bringing to life again a traditional country skill Jack has developed an inspiring range of products and has showcased his work and skills at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair.