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