King of Shaves was last night crowned the T-Mobile Fast Growth Business of the Year at a star studded, champagne soaked event.
The business beat off the competition with its new shaver, The Azor, for which it was also awarded Product Business of the Year.
The company, founded in 1993 by Will King, began by selling shaving oils and has established itself as a major competitor to the big shaving brands.
“It has been a long journey for King of Shaves. We were founded during the last recession and we are ready to succeed during this one,” said King.
Other winners that made it through to the final four were Seatwave, which won both the Online and Angel/VC-backed Business of the Year categories, Truancy Call, winner of Best Use of Technology, and Instant Offices, which was named International Business of the Year.
The Fast Growth Business Awards (FGBA) were presented by the BBC journalist Adam Shaw who pointed out that many of the best entrepreneurs – Richard Branson, Stelios and Sahar Hashemi – cut their teeth during a recession.
“I am particularly pleased to be here to celebrate some of the best in business at such a difficult time for the economy,” he said.
James Hurley, editor of Growing Business magazine, was one of the judges for the awards and was thoroughly impressed by the quality of entries.
“It’s comforting to know that while the economy goes through a dark period there’s some first class businesses here in the UK.
“The judging process was tough because all of the finalists had some remarkable qualities and in many ways I’d like to give them all an award.
“I congratulate King of Shaves for what it has achieved and wish Will and his team all the best for the future.”
This is the third time the FGBA has recognised the best businesses in the UK. Previous winners at the FGBA have been Maximuscle and LoveFilm.
For a full list of winners and coverage of the night visit:
www.fgba.co.uk© Crimson Business Ltd. 2009