Lord Alan Sugar would have been impressed by the prize winners at Merton’s Best Business Awards last fortnight.

Among the dozens of winners was the team at Morden’s Crown Lane Studio, which picked up Best Green Business after it made more than 100 changes to its model to become carbon neutral, writes Laurence Dollimore.

But their table erupted when they found out they had won Best Overall Business, presented by WSM’s Simon Marsh.

John Merriman, who runs the studio with his wife Ruth, said: "We were totally shocked, it was simply amazing, we are really pleased with the recognition."

They almost claimed a third prize, coming runner up in the Extra Mile category, losing to Paul Strank Roofing, which was recognised for its fundraising.

The roofing company has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local children’s charities, with a special focus on Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.

Now in its third year, the awards showed Merton living up to its ‘most small-business friendly borough’ title, awarded to it by the London Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and London Councils last year.

Manager of Paul Strank Roofing, Irene Strank, said: "Our boss was very humbled by the award.

"We are all a great community and we think Merton’s one of the best boroughs in London."

Other winners included Little Forest Folk, which said it is the UK’s first full-time outdoor children’s nursery, picking up Best New Business.

Merton Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Diana Sterck, said it was brilliant to see such a wide flavour of businesses being recognised.

"It’s terribly important for them to be recognised for their work, it creates a whole feel good factor within their business, it’s a great stamp of approval," she said.

Best customer service went to plus sized women's retailer Bakou in Coombe Lane, Raynes Park, best business in Morden to Aqua Physio, best business in Mitcham to Carers Support Merton and best business in Raynes Park went to Tennison Property.

For the full list of winners, visit the website www.mertonbestbusiness.co.uk.

The Merton Business awards took place on Thursday, September 24 at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon.