The Richmond branch of a professional investment company has praised the business awards for raising the profile of its winners and drawing in custom.

Killik and Co, which has a branch in Richmond, has entered the professional practice category in this year’s awards.

Sam Petts, manager at the Richmond branch in Paradise Road, said: “We have entered because some of our clients have recommended us and suggest that we enter.”

The company was highly commended in the professional practice category in 2011 and Mr Petts said the category was relevant to the work Killik and Co does.

The company, which has nine branches in greater London, is a pioneer in its retail approach to stock broking, with its services available on the high street.

Previous winners of awards at the ceremony said their companies had noticed increased custom as a result of scooping a prize.

Mr Petts said: “We spoke to previous winners Kew Insurance who said the awards helped them to win new clients and promote their business.

“It helps build up the reputation of our name in the Richmond area.”

The awards ceremony will take place in the garden room of Hampton Court Palace on Thursday, October 17, and will be hosted by award winning journalist John Stapleton and his presenter wife Lynn Faulds Wood.

The pair are Richmond residents and hosted the Richmond Business Awards last year.

Mr Petts praised the job they did and said employees at Killik and Co were looking forward to October’s ceremony.

He said: “We are quite excited about the awards this year, it is usually a good event.

“It also provides a good networking opportunity as there are 100 or so other businesses there so it is interesting to meet up with other local businesses in the area.

“It is great to be able to get together with other businesses and share ideas.”

For more information on the Killik and Co Richmond branch, visit killik.com/richmond.