A beauty salon with branches in Balham and Tooting has scooped a top prize at a business awards ceremony.

Independent mindbodysoul won in the Best Business for Marketing category the annual South London Business awards last week.

Helen Canning, marketing manager at the salon located in Balham High Road and Ritherdon Road, said: “My first reaction was ‘wow’.

"We are in a completely saturated market with hair and beauty so we do everything to market ourselves; emails, Facebook, Twitter. Absolutely everything."

Earlier at the awards evening, held at Crystal Palace FC’s Selhurst Park Stadium, Croydon funeral directors Rowland Brothers were named as business of the year.

The award attracted entries from 250 companies throughout the boroughs of South London and 73 firms shortlisted as finalists in 12 categories.

The competition, organised by South London Business and with HSBC as its principal sponsor, covered a range of business types and sizes and Newsquest South London, which owns the Wandsworth Guardian, sponsored the small business category.

The Oscar-style award ceremony, held in a lavish marquee on the Selhurst Park pitch, was hosted by radio DJ David Jensen and attracted more than 500 guests.

Addressing the audience Peter Pledger, chief executive of South London Business, said: "We organise these awards because we are committed to business and business success.

"By celebrating success we can generate success. All of you are making a difference and helping to bring South London out of this recession."