THE finalists of the INSPIRE14 Business Awards have been revealed.
Three from each of the 13 categories have been selected – and now the judges will be visiting the shortlisted candidates over the next few weeks before deciding who the winners and runners-up will be.
The event, which is being organised by Destination Basingstoke and for which Gazette Newspapers is the media sponsor, will feature business of all sizes from across north Hampshire John Biffen, from Menzies, who is one of the judges, said: “Once again, the judging has been difficult, with some fantastic businesses putting in entries from right across the region.
“There is huge diversity from recent start-ups to globally recognised brands all demonstrating why north Hampshire is such a great place for businesses to thrive.
“Unfortunately, there can only be three finalists from each category, so there was some lively debate among the judges.”
Fellow judge Beryl Huntingdon, managing director of event sponsor Absolutely Offices, agreed. She added: “We’ve been very impressed with the quality of entries. Each year, the bar seems to be raised as businesses recognise the value in entering the awards.
“Now we are looking forward to meeting the finalists so we can make the right decision on the winner. I can see it’s going to be a real challenge.”
John, Beryl and their fellow judges will be among the guests who will attend the awards gala dinner, which this year is being held at De Vere Venues Highfield Park, at Heckfield, near Hook, on Thursday, November 13.
Tables and tickets for the evening, which last year attracted more than 600 people, are on sale now.
To find out more, visit inspirebusiness awards.co.uk or call 01256 461167.
The INSPIRE14 finalist are:
Business of the Year – sponsored by Wilding Butler
EC Electronics, Basingstoke
Centerprise International, Basingstoke
ACC UK, Farnborough
International Business of the Year – sponsored by HSBC
Exclaimer, Farnborough
Sonardyne International, Yateley
HCT Creative, Bramley
Sustainable Business of the Year – sponsored by Vitacress
Basingstoke Energy Services Co-operative, Basingstoke
Tylney Hall Hotel, Rotherwick
Croydex, Andover
Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Hampshire County Council
Gordon Stott – The Sun Inn, Dummer
Ellie Kelly – Buttons Children’s Parties, Church Crookham
Chris Rees – Rees Leisure, Test Valley
Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by 1-1 Recruitment
Alan Donegan – Enjoy Presenting, Basingstoke
David Piper – Source Supplies, Yateley
Alan Inskip – Tempcover, Fleet
Employer of the Year – sponsored by Haines Watts
DotLabel, Basingstoke
Hireserve, Basingstoke
Sentinel Housing Association, Basingstoke
Employee of the Year – sponsored by Hays
Tom Shadwell – EC Electronics, Basingstoke
Alan Arnold – Infinity Motorcycles, Farnborough
Jim Blake – WES, Basingstoke
Marketing Campaign of the Year – sponsored by Minuteman Press
Thrive Studios, Church Crookham
Basingstoke Town Football Club, Basingstoke
Jupp Castle, Hartley Wintney
Service Excellence Award – sponsored by Asset Advantage
Source Supplies, Yateley
KJM Group, Andover
Shield Security Services, Aldershot
New Business of the Year – sponsored by Xcite Digital
Thrive Studios, Church Crookham
Chevron Heritage, Worting
The Typeface Group, Odiham
Small Business of the Year – sponsored by The Breeze
The Topiary Hair & Beauty, Old Basing
Basingstoke Energy Services Co-operative, Basingstoke
JV Bouncy Castles, Chineham
Innovation Excellence – sponsored by Santander
Sonardyne International, Yateley
The Business Software Centre, Basingstoke
FarSite Communications, Basingstoke
Business and the Community – sponsored by BVA
The Tea Bar, Basingstoke
Aldershot Town FC, Aldershot
FHC for Hair, Basingstoke
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