THREE Basingstoke businesses have been shortlisted for the INSPIRE Business Awards 2024 Medium Business of the Year.

Chennai Express, Milk Club, and Harlequin Clothing, Print and Signage are now awaiting the judges' visit and final decision.

Jeremy Nash, chief executive of category sponsor Centerprise International, said: "The reward for growing a business is the knowledge that you have provided an opportunity for others. The finalists of this year’s Medium Business of the Year category have all demonstrated the drive and execution to build for the future. In doing so, they have created jobs and invested in their people.

"I expect the second round of judging to prove challenging as we have to single out one overall winner. Whatever the outcome, each finalist should be proud of their business and proud of coming so far in the process. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck."

READ MORE: Companies in the running for Large Business of the Year award

Scheduled for July 11, the INSPIRE awards ceremony will be a highlight at Oakley Hall. Businesses from around Basingstoke and Deane are set to compete in 12 categories, including a Winner of Winners Award.

A standout part of the proceedings will be former Hampshire and England cricketer Shaun Udal's appearance. Udal is a VIP guest and co-compere for the ceremony. In addition to managing his Professional Workwear company in Basingstoke, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019.

Udal lends his support to Sport Parkinson's, the INSPIRE Business Award's charity of choice for this year.

SEE ALSO: Inspire Awards finalists announced - here's the full list

The INSPIRE Business Awards 2024 finalists are:

Large Business of the Year – sponsored by Shaw Gibbs

  • Castle Trust Bank
  • LG Motion
  • Caviste

Medium Business of the Year – sponsored by Centerprise International

  • Chennai Express
  • Milk Club
  • Harlequin Clothing, Printing and Signage

Small Business of the Year

  • Bumble & Bee
  • The Parlour Tearoom
  • The Topiary Salon

Wellbeing Champion – sponsored by SNG

  • Simpila Wellbeing
  • Inclusion Education
  • Eli Lilly and Company

Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Minuteman Press

  • Holly Findlay
  • Jade Kelly
  • Carlee Osundina

Rural Business of the Year – sponsored by Worting House

  • Silchester Farm
  • Whitchurch Silk Mill
  • Wildflower Turf Limited

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Basingstoke College of Technology

  • Josh Harvey
  • Zara Smith
  • Henry Mason

Business and Community Champion – sponsored by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

  • The Champion Group
  • Unum
  • Newbury Building Society

Sustainable Champion – sponsored by PLANT

  • Brevity Marketing
  • Afrizi
  • Milk Club

New Business of the Year

  • Fonseca Fitness
  • The Hampshire Vet
  • Milk Club

Service Excellence – sponsored by Professional Workwear

  • SightCare Services
  • NFU Mutual North Hampshire
  • Restaurant @BCoT

Best Place to Work – sponsored by Oakley Hall

  • Simpila Wellbeing
  • Mini Tec
  • Edison Smart

Tickets are now on sale for what will be one of the borough’s best business networking events of the year. To purchase tickets, go to destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/product/inspire-business-awards-2024.