Manufacturers Brompton Bicycles and Tangle Teezer have been crowned London's most globally ambitious businesses at the regional finals of HSBC's Global Connections competition.
Brompton and Tangle Teezer will receive up to £6m in lending and a £120,000 financial reward (2% of their borrowing paid back).
Judges praised the passion, innovation and commitment to quality of the two standout companies.
Brompton and Tangle Teezer beat off competition from four other finalists from the capital including Rimex Metals – a manufacturer of fisnishes on stainless steel.
Brompton chief Will Butler-Adams and Shaun Pulfrey of Tangle Teezer were grilled on export plans by a judging panel including Oliver Rothschild of Oliver Rothschild Corporate Advisors and Lorraine Ellison of Digny Jones LLP.
Tangle Teezer manufactures a bespoke detangling hairbrush in Lambeth and distributes to over 40 countries including Taiwan and Peru. The hairbrush was created by company founder and former hairdresser Pulfrey.
Pulfrey thanked his mum and his Tangle Teezer colleagues on receiving the prize.
Brentford based Brompton bikes exports over 70% of its folding bike range. Butler-Adams said he would use the cash to help fund the development of a new electric bike.
Tangle Teezer and Brompton Bikes will go forward to compete in the national finals of the HSBC Global Connections competition where a £240,000 prize is up for grabs.