The Inspire Business Awards are open for entries, but with the closing date of September 10 looming, it is time to get your entry in.

Businesses have faced many challenges over the last 2 years and this is chance to recognise the entrepreneurship, adaptability and innovation that the business community has shown across the region.

Entry is free and open to business of all sizes and types - with a category suitable for any business based in the north Hampshire area, including a new ‘Innovation for Growth’ category, sponsored by RSM.

In addition, there is new sponsor for the Employer of the Award, Sally-Ann Hall-Jones, CEO at Reality HR commented:

“Employers have endured a difficult year, but it’s their determination and commitment that inspires. That’s why we’re delighted to sponsor the Employer of The Year category, which recognises businesses with a genuine dedication to their workforce.

We’re looking for an employer going above and beyond to support their people and creating a positive working environment despite the challenges they’ve encountered.

We’d like to wish all who enter the very best of luck!”

Entry is all on-line, with a simple form to complete for each category:

1. Business of the Year (Large - Over £5 million turnover) sponsored by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

2. Business of the Year (Medium - Turnover £501k to £5 million)– Sponsored by Absolutely Offices

3. Business of the Year (Small Turnover under £500k) – Available for sponsorship

4. Employer of the Year sponsored by Reality HR

5. New Business of the Year – sponsored by Hart District Council

6. Business and Community – Face TV

7. Innovation For Growth Award – sponsored by RSM

8. Service Excellence Award– sponsored by Morrisons Solicitors

9. Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Minuteman Press

10. Environmental Responsibility Award – sponsored by Vitacress

11. Wellbeing at Work Award – sponsored by Festival Place

12. Excellence in Digital Technology Award – sponsored by Basingstoke Gazette

Entry into the INSPIRE21 business awards is free – you just complete a straightforward on line form. All those selected as finalists will each receive a free ticket to attend the prestigious award ceremony. The ceremony, which is organised and managed by Destination Basingstoke, attracted over 500 people in 2019, representing more than 180 businesses from the region.

The past year has seen the world face many changes and challenges and it is more important than ever to celebrate the amazing efforts that businesses are going to. This is exactly what the Inspire Business Awards set out to do, celebrate business and the people within them! The judges are calling for those that are working to overcome the challenging economic environment, to survive and to thrive, to enter the Inspire Business Awards.

Success can be found anywhere, whether a large corporate firm or someone setting up in business for the first time at their kitchen table. The aim of the Inspire Business Awards is to shine a spotlight on some of the quiet achievements and successes of entrepreneurs based in north Hampshire. There are 12 categories this year suitable for all types and sizes of business. Entry is free and business people from across north Hampshire are encouraged to put themselves forward.

Now is the time for businesses to enter to be in with the chance of being selected as a finalist this autumn and have the opportunity to present their business to the judging panel.

To be in with a chance of being selected as a finalist and invited to attend the ceremony complete the online form now at www.inspirebusinessawards.co.uk.