THEY are three go-getters – and one of them will be crowned Entrepreneur of the Year at this year’s Inspire Business Awards.

Nikki Carr, Farah Fonseca, and Matthew Larcome are all blazing a trail in the business world, and the fab three are in the running for glory at the prestigious awards night.

Mark Perrin, partner at Entrepreneur of the Year Award category sponsor Menzies, said: “Menzies LLP, as a proactive firm of accountants and business advisors, recognises the entrepreneurial flare and spirit required to innovate and drive growth within SME businesses. We think it is consistent with our Brighter Thinking approach to business. We are therefore delighted to sponsor the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”

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 11 categories.

READ MORE: Tickets now on sale after date set for Inspire Business Awards

Award-winning adventurer Jordan Wylie MBE – star of hit series Hunted and Celebrity Hunted – will be a VIP guest and compere at this year’s awards.

Former soldier Jordan, who was awarded an MBE by King Charles III for his services to education and charity on the Horn of Africa in January 2023, is a supporter of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) – the chosen charity of the 2022-23 Inspire Business Awards.

Tickets are now on sale and are selling fast. There are a limited number left so anyone who wishes to be part of this great business celebration and networking events can purchase their tickets by going to destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/product/inspire-awards.

The 2022-23 finalists are:

Business of the Year (Over £1million turnover) – sponsored by Absolutely Offices

  • Scientific Management International 
  • Phillips Law
  • Wildflower Turf
  • Touchdown PR

Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Menzies

  • Matthew Larcome
  • Farah Fonseca
  • Nikki Carr

Employer of the Year – sponsored by Reality HR

  • LG Motion
  • Right at Home
  • ResourceIT Consulting
  • Scientific Management International

New Business of the Year – sponsored by TrustMark

  • Elai Restaurant
  • Afrizi
  • Physical Balance

Business and Community – sponsored by Destination Basingstoke

  • Fortem Financial Management Limited
  • THEMPC Limited
  • Yateley Sports Community Interest Company

Service Excellence – sponsored by Morr & Co Solicitors

  • Hampshire Tile Warehouse
  • Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services Ltd
  • Cevitr Ltd

Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Minuteman Press

  • Michaela Hamilton
  • Dmitrijs Meiksans
  • La-Toyah McKenzie

Environmental Responsibility – sponsored by Vitacress

  • Longdog Brewery
  • Dignity Pet Crematorium
  • The Typeface Group

Wellbeing at Work – sponsored by Festival Place

  • ResourceIT Consulting
  • Castle Trust Bank
  • Simpila Mental Health
  • Basingstoke College of Technology

Diversity and Inclusion Champion – sponsored by Sovereign

  • Penningtons Manches Cooper
  • ResourceIT Consulting
  • Willows Coffee House
  • Basingstoke College of Technology

Small Business of the Year – sponsored by RSM

  • Indigo Bakes
  • Simpila Mental Health
  • Physical Balance