After months of hard work and preparation business from across Richmond Borough gathered for a fantastic evening of celebration at the RFU.

The Gala Awards Dinner took place on Friday, November 16, with business from across the area eagerly waiting to hear if they had won an award. With 14 categories and record breaking entries, this years awards were the closest yet.

(From left) Zac Goldsmith, Anne Newton and Sir Vince Cable. Picture credit: (PFT Photography)

Anne Newton CEO of The Richmond Chamber of Commerce said: "The Richmond Chamber of Commerce is delighted with record breaking entries this year, resulting also in new businesses coming to the fore, enabling us to engage them in our extensive network of SMEs, international corporates, start-ups and non profits. Our guests told us that this years gala dinner was the best yet, in respect to fine dining service and entertainment, the reception and awards ceremony itself and subsequent celebrations.

"Sir Vince Cable and Zac Goldsmith both commended the Richmond Chamber of Commerce for being the best and most innovative in the country and they encourage the more than 17,000 registered businesses in the area to join the Chamber and access the network. Next years awards are on Friday, November 15 in the newly opened East Stand RFU, so enter, sponsor and or attend - see you there."

Businesses across the borough got the chance to network and enjoy a fine dining experience at the RFU. Picture credit: (PFT Photography)

Andrew Parkes, group managing editor Newsquest south London and Sussex, said: “The Richmond Business Awards is always a fabulous event and one of the first dates in my diary every year. The RFU at Twickenham is the perfect venue and we were once again honoured to have Greg Dyke hosting the awards with Sir Vince Cable and Zac Goldsmith on hand to congratulate all the worthy winners."