ENTRIES for a prestigious awards ceremony celebrating the best of business across north Hampshire have opened.

The Inspire Business Awards celebrate companies of all shapes and sizes who have made a difference.

The awards have been organised by Destination Basingstoke and are funded entirely from sponsorship including headline sponsorship from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

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One of the award categories is Inspire Entrepreneur of the Year.

The award will be given to an individual who has the ability to create a self-sustaining and successful business; an individual who can demonstrate creativity and ‘thinking outside the box’ to build and grow a business; and evidence of the individual’s ability to identify opportunities and develop them through initiative, strong organisational skills and the acceptance of risk.

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John Biffen, Partner at Menzies and chair of the Inspire steering group, said: “We are especially pleased to see the introduction of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award again this year, it’s a chance to recognise those individuals that know how to spot an opportunity, balance the risks and have the drive to turn it into a commercial success, these are the people that inspire others and make north Hampshire a place where businesses can thrive.

“The Inspire Business Awards are funded by businesses that understand the value of celebrating and recognising achievements – even more important in today’s unpredictable economic climate.”

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