THEY may be new kids on the block – but they are already going for gold at the prestigious INSPIRE Business Awards 2024.

The Hampshire Vet, Fonseca Fitness, and Milk Club are the fab three firms in the final line-up for the New Business of the Year category.

Thursday, July 11 is the date for the diary and Oakley Hall will be the place to be as people and businesses from Basingstoke and Deane compete for the winner’s prize in 12 categories – there will also be a Winner of Winners Award.

READ MORE: Three finalists in running for Wellbeing Champion crown

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is the headline sponsor of the 2024 awards, and is also among the category sponsors.

Former Hampshire and England cricketer Shaun Udal will be a VIP guest and co-compere at this year’s awards. Shaun, who is owner/director at Professional Workwear in Basingstoke, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 and is a supporter of Sport Parkinson’s – this year’s INSPIRE Business Awards charity.

Tickets for the INSPIRE Business Awards are on sale at destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/product/inspire-business-awards-2024 ­– and they are selling fast.

SEE ALSO: Three young apprentices reach finals of INSPIRE Business Awards

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 – sponsored by Destination Basingstoke

  • 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 – available for sponsorship

  • 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