THEY are three young shining stars who are already blazing a trail in the business world – and one of them will be crowned Young Business Person of the Year at a prestigious awards event.

Michaela Hamilton, Dmitrijs Meiksans, and La-Toyah McKenzie all impressed the judges to make the final cut and now they are each hoping to claim the top prize.

Susan Paterson, director of category sponsor Minuteman Press, said: “This was another very competitive category, and it was inspirational to hear what the three finalists have already achieved so early in their business careers.

“Each of the finalists should be proud of making it to the awards evening and congratulations go out to all of them.”

READ MORE: Community-focused firms in running for prize

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.

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 is 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.

SEE ALSO: Tickets now on sale for Inspire Business 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