FINALISTS have been announced for the Apprentice of the Year category at the INSPIRE Business Awards.

The shortlist includes Josh Harvey, Henry Mason, and Zara Smith, each of whom will be assessed before the decision is made.

There are 12 categories to be awarded, with an extra "Winner of Winners" accolade. Finalists hail from a plethora of business sectors across Basingstoke and Deane.

READ MORE: Three firms vying for Medium Business of the Year accolade at Inspire Awards

Anthony Bravo OBE, principal of category sponsor Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), said: "BCoT is thrilled to sponsor the INSPIRE Apprentice/Trainee of the Year category. Apprenticeships and traineeships provide a powerful learning environment, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience."

Former Hampshire and England cricketer Shaun Udal, owner and director of Professional Workwear in Basingstoke, will take on the role of VIP guest and co-compere. Mr Udal was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019 and supports Sport Parkinson's – this year's selected charity.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is the main sponsor of the July 11 event, set to take place at Oakley Hall.

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