'Flying the flag' for local business - Kenilworth Worthies awards return
Celebrating Kenilworth's vibrancy is the mission behind the return of the Worthies awards this year.
Run by Kenilworth Chamber of Trade, the awards are making a return for 2025 after a short hiatus and voting is now open for locals to back their favourite businesses.
Nominations can now be made across seven categories including; Start Up Business of the year, Sustainable Business of the Year and Customer Excellence Award.
Explaining the return of the Worthies, new chamber chair Rebecca Warwick told Nub News: "I think that we really underestimate the impact of business in Kenilworth.
"Most people think of Kenilworth as somewhere that you live because the schools are good, crime rates are low, and then you go and work somewhere else.
"But actually there are over 550 businesses registered in Kenilworth.
"It's a really vibrant place to live.
"And on top of that, we have a huge amount of people that live in the town who have businesses outside of Kenilworth.
"In terms of economic impact onto the town, business is huge.
"I think it's really important that we fly the flag and sort of recognise what our businesses do and thank them for making Kenilworth such a great community that we can all share in."
The return of the Worthies was officially marked with an opening event at Indian Edge - a former winner - earlier this month, and voting is now open until September 10.
After this, the top three businesses in each category will be interviewed by an independent panel of judges who will decide on each winner.
"We really want local people to get involved in recommending and voting for local businesses," Rebecca continued.
"It's a great way of saying thank you, particularly if you've had great service or it's somewhere you like to go.
"Secondly, I think it's really nice to recognise people and encourage great customer service or whatever makes you want to vote for that business.
"And thirdly, it's always good for us to be able to look around and learn from best practice and who knows that best other than some of those customers.
"Help fly the flag for your favourite businesses!"
The return of the Worthies, which were last held in 2019, has also been welcomed by Kenilworth Town Council and also has the backing of local MP Sir Jeremy Wright.
The awards will be presented at an exclusive event at the Holiday Inn on November 6 and will see prizes handed out in the following categories:
- Start Up Business of the Year
- Community or Not For Profit Group of the Year
- Best 'Shop Front' Business of the Year
- Best 'Non-Shop Front' Business of the Year
- Customer Excellence Award
- Sustainable Business Of the Year
- The Worthies Award
Rebecca continued: "I think it's really important that we celebrate all that the town's got to offer and particularly to talk about the economic impact of the town.
"Obviously, one of the awards is also about somebody who does something, and it could come from anywhere, one of the clubs or charities or so on - it's there to celebrate somebody who goes above and beyond."
The return of the Worthies for 2025 is another of the many events run by Kenilworth Chamber of Trade, which also hosts a regular networking meet and quarterly business breakfast. This as well as the annual business expo.
And explaining the importance of the chamber to the town, Rebecca explained: "It's about building the sense of business community in the town.
"It's about providing a single voice to the councils about what works for business in our town and where the challenges are and lobbying on behalf of businesses."
Find out more about The Worthies and get nominating online here.
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