HIGH-quality entries resulted in a challenging but rewarding day for the Inspire Business Awards judges as they selected the finalists for the 2022-23 event.

Nearly 100 entries have come in for this year’s awards – and business stars and successful companies in the Basingstoke and Deane, Hart, Rushmoor and Test Valley areas will soon find out if they have made the final cut.

Judges from category sponsors joined members of the INSPIRE Business Awards steering group to consider the entries in 11 categories.

John Biffen, chair of the INSPIRE Business Awards steering group, said: “It’s always good news when the judging process is tough, and this was certainly the case for the INSPIRE Business Awards 2022-23.

READ MORE: Inspire Business Awards: Dozen gongs up for grabs

Basingstoke Gazette:

“The various categories were keenly contested and it made for some challenging selections as the judges whittled down the finalists.”

The finalists will now be revealed at a special event at the Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke, on Monday, March 27 – and the judges will then visit each of the finalists to determine who is going to win this year’s trophies.

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.

Thursday, July 13 is the date for the diary and The Anvil in Basingstoke will be the place to be as people and businesses from Basingstoke and Deane, Rushmoor and Test Valley compete for the winner’s prize in 12 categories.

This year’s charity is Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, and The Gazette is once again the media partner for the prestigious awards.

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All those selected as finalists will receive two free tickets to the awards final, and tickets will also be made available for other guests to come along and be part of this very special event.

The 2022-23 award categories are:

  1. Business of the Year (Over £1million turnover) – sponsored by Absolutely Offices
  2. Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Menzies
  3. Employer of the Year – sponsored by Reality HR
  4. New Business of the Year – sponsored by TrustMark
  5. Business and Community – sponsored by Destination Basingstoke
  6. Service Excellence – sponsored by Morr & Co Solicitors
  7. Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Minuteman Press
  8. Environmental Responsibility – sponsored by Vitacress
  9. Wellbeing at Work – sponsored by Festival Place
  10. Diversity and Inclusion Champion – sponsored by Sovereign
  11. Small Business of the Year – sponsored by RSM