A NEW award to recognise an outstanding employee has been created for the 2013 INSPIRE Business Awards.

Katy Walker, business director at recruitment specialists Hays in Basingstoke, is delighted that her company is getting involved with the premier business awards event in Hampshire.

She said: “The awards recognise excellence and ensure that leading businesses in north Hampshire gain the recognition they deserve.

“Hays is not only dedicated to recognising the best local businesses, but also appreciates that these businesses rely on the dedication and commitment of their staff.

“We have partnered with Destination Basingstoke, which organises INSPIRE, in order to acknowledge and reward the most outstanding local employees who help drive their businesses forward.

“And we are proud to sponsor the Employee of the Year Award. We are looking for employees who have gone the extra mile in all areas of their work and have made a genuine impact on meeting business objectives.

“We also want to hear from those who have led by example by living and breathing the values of the company as well as demonstrating excellent service to their customers whether internal, external or both.

“We would encourage any local businesses, HR teams and line managers with staff responsibility to carefully look at their employees and consider the achievements and contributions they have made to the business.

“The successful candidate could come literally from any profession or work background, and we look forward to reviewing a diverse group of entrants for this award.”

The awards are open to businesses that pay their business rates in one of the sponsoring local authority areas – Basingstoke and Deane, Rushmoor, Hart and Test Valley.

Entering is simple – just visit inspirebusinessawards.co.uk.

The deadline for entries is August 31, and the awards night will take place at The Hampshire Court Hotel, in Chineham, on Thursday, November 21.