BUSINESSES need to get their skates on if they are going to be in with a chance of winning an Inspire Business Award.

There are less than two weeks to go before the March 6 entry deadline for the awards. Business stars and successful companies in the Basingstoke and Deane, Hart, Rushmoor and Test Valley areas are being urged to avoid missing out.

John Biffen, chair of the Inspire Business Awards steering group, said: “We have so many amazing businesses in Basingstoke and Deane, Test Valley, Rushmoor, and Hart and we want them to seize this great opportunity to showcase their achievements and celebrate their successes.

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“Winning an award can deliver a real boost to staff morale and it also helps to bring in new business, so the judges hope businesses will get in the running for an INSPIRE Business Awards honour.

“The March 6 deadline will not be extended so if you want to be in it to win it, you need to get your entry in by the closing date.” 

There are plenty of exciting changes in store for the 2022-23 event as the prestigious awards, which are organised by Destination Basingstoke, move to a new venue and timeslot in the calendar.

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The event will take place on July 13 at The Anvil in Basingstoke. People and businesses from Basingstoke and Deane, Rushmoor and Test Valley will compete for the winner’s prize in 12 categories.

The 2022-23 award categories are:

  • Business of the Year (Over £1million turnover) – sponsored by Absolutely Offices
  • Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Menzies
  • Employer of the Year – sponsored by Reality HR
  • New Business of the Year – sponsored by Trustmark
  • Business and Community – sponsored by Face TV
  • Innovation for Growth – sponsored by RSM
  • Service Excellence – sponsored by Morr & Co Solicitors
  • Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Minuteman Press
  • Environmental Responsibility – sponsored by Vitacress
  • Wellbeing at Work – sponsored by Festival Place
  • Diversity and Inclusion Champion – sponsored by Sovereign
  • Small Business of the Year – available for sponsorship

All those selected as finalists receive two free tickets to the awards final. Entry to the awards is free and can be done online at destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/inspire.