Restaurant Le Cassoulet has been shortlisted for two awards at the RBS South London Business Awards 2009.

It was one of 13 businesses from Croydon who have made it the finals of the hotly-contested awards, which will take place at an Oscar-style ceremony on May 20 at Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace FC.

The other finalists from the borough are cleaning company Chequers, office suppliers First Impressions, ITC Concepts, Nestle UK, surveyors Henry Riley, marketing agency dotMailer, Cableduct, Rowland Brothers undertakers, Westmead Business Group, housing association CCHA, Mott MacDonald and financial services company Francis Townsend and Hayward.

They were among 52 companies selected from entrants from the 12 boroughs south of the Thames in the annual competition, for which the Croydon Guardian is the media partner and also sponsors the customer service award.

Peter Pledger, chief executive of South London Business, said: “This terrific result emphasises not only the strength of local business in south London, but also the sheer innovation, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit to be found here.”

Le Cassoulet was opened in South Croydon in February 2008, by chef Malcolm John, who recently opened his third restaurant, Fish & Grill, in South End, Croydon.

Le Cassoulet was last year awarded Best Local London Restaurant by Timeout magazine, and this January achieved the accolade of a Michelin Bib Gourmand accreditation – the only such restaurant in Croydon.

Chef John said: “I’m ecstatic and overjoyed we have been shortlisted.

“I am very proud to be in one category, let alone two.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for my 40 staff in Croydon, which is no longer regarded as a culinary wasteland.”

Simon Thackray, managing partner of Thackray Williams Solicitors and judge of the Best Medium-sized Business category said: “Recession there may be, but all our finalists have demonstrated that by innovative thinking combined with effective management there are businesses in South London doing a lot more than simply surviving.

"Growth and increased profitability is still on the agenda for many.”

Win two free tickets (worth £97.75 each) to the RBS South London Business Awards Dinner on May 20, as special guests of South London Business.

The competition winner will join one of South London Business’ VIP tables and enjoy a three-course meal with complimentary drinks, followed by the awards ceremony hosted by radio DJ David Jensen and live music from band Payback.

The competition is free to enter and all entrants have to do is email: awards@southlondonbusiness.co.uk and enter the word ‘Competition’ in the subject line.

An email will be selected at random by South London Business chief executive, Peter Pledger, on Wednesday, May 12, at 12pm.

The winning company will be notified by 1pm on the same day.

Companies wishing to attend the dinner can still buy tickets by contacting Kevin Miller on 020 8768 6044.