Wandsworth's top retailers have been revealing the secrets of their success after scooping the top honours at the borough's first Business Awards Ceremony, last week.

More than 125 shops and businesses attended the event, sponsored by the Wandsworth Borough News and its sister paper the Wandsworth Guardian, which rewarded individuals and businesses demonstrating outstanding service in the borough's town centres.

Mystery shoppers visited the entrants to assess them on everything from sales skills to product knowledge and merchandising.

The overall winning business winner in the borough was Caf Rogerio's, in Putney, commended for offering near faultless service in a busy and pressurised environment'.

Located in Putney High Street, the four-year-old caf, owned by Rogerio Bugulho, serves fresh home-made Italian food from 7am to 10pm daily.

Commenting on the award, manager Augusta Silva, who accepted the £1,000 cheque and trophy with Mr Bugulho, said: "We were thrilled to have received the award and it was a complete surprise.

"We were told that someone would be coming to the caf in disguise but we didn't know who it was.

"We offer really good service and a great product and try to do our best to please everyone.

I think that's one of the most important things in business."

The overall winning prize for an individual was split between John Hurst and Sarah Welch, of Fur Hairdressing, in Clapham Junction.

Ms Welch, a junior stylist, said the surprise of winning the £225 prize was still sinking in.

She said: "We were told a week before the awards but it is still a shock. We all had a fantastic evening.

"A woman came into the salon and asked what colour she should dye her hair but John, the manager, and I both told her she should leave it as it is.

I think we received the business award because we are both very honest with our customers.

"Offering consistent good service and being nice to all the customers, no matter what mood you're in, is very important in business."

November 12, 2001 13:00