FROM a luxury dance studio in Imperial Wharf to a dog grooming shop near Bishops Park, a diverse roll call of businesses were among the winners at the inaugural Brilliant Business Awards.

Organised by Hammersmith and Fulham Council's economic development team, the awards were a chance for residents, shoppers and workers to nominate the small companies that make a difference to their everyday lives.

The authority teamed up with prominent borough businesses including the Chronicle, Kings Mall in Hammersmith, Fulham Broadway Shopping Centre, Westfield and the W12 Shopping Centre, sponsoring each of the five categories.

More than 1,000 people voted for their favourites and on Monday (9) evening the shortlisted 43 rubbed shoulders at Brasa restaurant, in the heart of Fulham Broadway.

Addressing a crowd of 120, council leader Nick Botterill said: "We value our businesses and I'm delighted to see so many diverse businesses here tonight.

"Without successful businesses we can't have a successful civic society, we couldn't manage without them.

"This council does appreciate business and we will continue to fight for them."

The panel of five judges were from Westfield, the Federation of Small Businesses, HammersmithLondon, the Chronicle and the Fulham Society.

Each winner received a trophy and a prize from the sponsor of their category.

My Favourite Business, sponsored by Hammersmith Kings Mall

Winner - Karen Hardy Studios

Runner Up - Computer Nerds

Strictly Come Dancing winner and former five times world number one Latin American Dance Champion Karen Hardy set up the UK's first luxury dance studio in Imperial Wharf three and half years ago.

Now the studio has more than 1,000 members and offers services for everyone from first time dancers to companies looking for a corporate event, and is even looking to expand into the Asian market.

Karen's husband and business partner, Conrad Murray, said: "Karen's off teaching dancing to the great and good in China but wants to thank the team for doing an awesome job. It's a tough time to run a business out there but a lot of hard work has gone into this.

"We're extremely proud of this award and will be back next year."

Best Customer Service, sponsored by Westfield London

Winner - Darlings of Chelsea

Runner Up - Computer Angels

A sofa store in Fulham High Street, Darlings of Chelsea won praise for its excellent customer service with many customers feeling that staff go above and beyond the call of duty.

Judges were impressed by the fact that each customer is assigned an individual account manager, who will regularly update them about their order, delivery status and any future purchases.

Founder John Darling said: "It feels great to get recognised for our staff going that extra mile.

"That's what we tried to create with Darlings, a sofa company from the customer's point of view. With our delivery service we try to be as specific as possible, we give them a window of two hours and then our driver will phone when they're half an hour away. We know what's it like when you're waiting for a delivery, so we really try to cater for the customer.

"We did not expect it, we've not won an award before."

Best New Business, sponsored by Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle

Winner - Bishops Bark

Runner Up - Ole Kids

Adored by their customers, Bishops Bark is a pet grooming shop where the staff have spent the past two years forging strong relationships with their clients.

Taking their responsibilities very seriously, they aim to give the customer a fantastic experience be it by using organic and healthy products on the dogs, delivering dog food to the customer's houses or by encouraging them to leave the pets in their care while they nip to the shops.

Owner Ryan Gottsche, said: "We were so happy to even be nominated and then when they said we were best new business it felt great. It was above and beyond our expectations.

"I think what's really great is that we were nominated by our customers, who obviously think we do a good job looking after their dogs."

Best Business Supporter of the Community, sponsored by Fulham Broadway Shopping Centre

Winner - H&F Credit Union

Runner Up - Kick It

For the past three years, H&F Credit Union has delivered a range of financial services to the community such as affordable loans and Christmas saving schemes.

The community bank helps its members with financial services and has also offered apprenticeships to local youngsters and helped volunteers get back into work.

Chair of the board of directors, Vincent Thomas, said: "It's wonderful, we're really pleased that we've been recognised for the work that we've been doing since 2008.

"In that time we've saved our members over £1m that they would have paid elsewhere, have successfully developed two apprenticeships and have just taken on another.

"We're really pleased that so many people voted for us and recognise us as something valued in the community.

"We've got extremely dedicated staff and volunteers, including our chief executive Cheryl Gale, who we owe our success to."

Best Young Entrepreneur (aged 35 or under) sponsored by W12 Shopping Centre

Winner - Clear Books

Runner Up - Young Honeys

Tim Fouracre started online accounting system Clear Books in 2007 with the simple idea of making it easier for small businesses to go through day to day accounting and book-keeping tasks.

Having just qualified as a chartered accountant, he left his comfortable city job, determined to turn his revolutionary idea into a successful business.

Mr Fouracre said: "When they said my name it was a huge shock but it rewards the hard work that's been put in over the last four years.

"We started working from our spare room and now we're an established business servicing 4,000 customers across the country and with 12 employees.

"We've created a business that is going from success to success. Receiving the award was a massive surprise."