Kriss Akabussi will be hosting the popular Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on July 2nd at Easthampstead Park, Wokingham.
Kriss rose to fame on the athletics track, where his greatest individual triumph was winning the gold medal in the 1990 European Championships. This was the day when he beat David Hemery’s British record for the 400 metre hurdles – a record that stood for 22 years before Kriss made his mark on it!
Kriss began his international athletics career in 1983 as a member of the 4×400 metre relay squad. He will probably always be remembered for helping Britain clinch the gold from the mighty Americans at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo.
Having amassed three Olympic medals, as well as World, European and Commonwealth titles, Kriss was bestowed with an even greater honour in 1992: an MBE awarded by her Majesty the Queen in recognition of his services to the country through athletics.
The Business Awards is one of the Chambers flagship events and each year they celebrate and recognise the talents, innovation and entrepreneurship of companies from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.
Major organisations are supporting the Awards, which will showcase the best of the Thames Valley, reinforcing why the region is home to one of the most resilient and successful business communities in the country.
Paul Britton, CEO at the Chamber commented: “The Chamber Awards celebrate the achievements and hard work of local businesses large and small. During these challenging economic times the Awards provide energy, profile and confidence to all involved. We are always excited to have the opportunity to make this happen, it is a huge boost for our members and the Chamber team.
“We are delighted that Kriss will be the host of the 2025 Awards, and no doubt his energetic personality will only add to the enjoyment of the evening. We look forward to welcoming him on the 2nd July. It promises to be another great occasion”.
Full awards list categories and sponsors:
- Commitment to the Community (sponsored by Buckinghamshire New University)
- Excellence in Customer Service
- SME Business of the Year Thames Valley (sponsored by James Cowper Kreston)
- International Trade Business of the Year (sponsored by Heathrow)
- Excellence in Sustainability
- Excellence in Innovation
- Employer of the Year (sponsored by Knights)
- Commitment to Skills
- Rising Star of the Year (sponsored by CyberCrowd)
- Most Promising New Business (sponsored by Accuratus Green)
- Multi-National/Large Business of the Year (sponsored by MHA)
- Best Use of Technology (sponsored by GEMS)
