Lilly is backing the INSPIRE12 Business Awards (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Lilly is backing the INSPIRE12 Business Awards

5:16pm Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Business By Richard Garfield

A MAJOR Basingstoke employer is backing the INSPIRE12 Business Awards.

International pharmaceutical giant Lilly, which employs around 600 people at its UK headquarters at Lilly House, in Priestley Road, is sponsoring The Innovation Excellence Award.

Delighted to be sponsoring the category – one of 12 up for grabs – Thom Thorp, pictured, senior director of corporate affairs for Lilly UK, said: “Lilly have a long and proud history in Basingstoke. We are dedicated to creating and delivering innovative health care solutions that help people live longer, healthier lives. “Our unwavering commitment to innovation is guiding us towards success and growth in a demanding environment. “We need others to partner with us on this journey to ensure that Basingstoke continues to thrive and remain a great place to do business.

“It’s for this reason we’re delighted to be sponsoring the Innovation Excellence Award, inspiring local companies to showcase their achievements and encourage others to learn from their success and further enhance our community.” Thom said the winner of The Innovation Excellence Award will be the business most able to demonstrate innovation in the product or service they offer. He is also looking for a clear innovative vision and strategy, showing success against objectives, sustained growth.

Last year’s winner of the Innovation Excellence Award was Postjet Systems, based at Beechwood, on Chineham Park, which makes high resolution printers that are aimed specifically at the postal sector.

The winners of INSPIRE12 Business Awards, organised and managed by Destination Basingstoke, will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, November 15 at The Hampshire Court Hotel, in Chineham.

Nominations for the awards, which are free, must be submitted by August 31. To find out more visit inspirebusiness awards.co.uk.