The finalists of this year's INSPIRE Business Awards are set - including for the coveted Large Business of the Year Award.
The fully locked-in line of contenders for the category include Castle Trust Bank, Caviste, and LG Motion.
Each of these major firms will now expect visits from two different judges who will determine the eventual victorious candidate.
Category sponsor Shaw Gibbs' tax advisory partner, Tim Smith, shared his thoughts: "The Large Business of the Year category attracted a very strong set of entries.
"All of the finalists should be very proud to have made the final cut, and myself and my fellow judge are looking forward to hearing from each of them when we make the judging visits."
READ MORE: Inspire Awards finalists announced - here's the full list
He also expressed his anticipation for the upcoming event, saying: "Winning the INSPIRE Business Awards Large Business of the Year accolade is a massive achievement so I wish all the finalists good luck as they seek to claim the title."
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 11 at Oakley Hall, with businesses from Basingstoke and Deane competing for the top prizes across 12 categories.
In addition to these categories, a Winner of Winners Award will be offered.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is headlining the sponsorship of the 2024 awards, alongside sponsoring one of the categories.
SEE ALSO: Tough decisions for judges as Inspire Business Awards entries soar
Close attention will be lavished upon the event as former Hampshire and England cricketer Shaun Udal, now owner/director at Professional Workwear in Basingstoke, will be a VIP guest and co-compere.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019, he is an active supporter of Sport Parkinson’s – this year’s INSPIRE Business Awards charity.
The finalists for the other categories are:
Medium Business of the Year
Chennai Express, Milk Club, Harlequin Clothing Print and Signage
Small Business of the Year
Bumble & Bee, The Parlour Tearoom, The Topiary Salon
Wellbeing Champion
Simpila Wellbeing, Inclusion Education, Eli Lilly and Company
Young Business Person of the Year
Holly Findlay, Jade Kelly, Carlee Osundina
Rural Business of the Year
Silchester Farm, Whitchurch Silk Mill, Wildflower Turf Limited
Apprentice of the Year
Josh Harvey, Zara Smith, Henry Mason
Business and Community Champion
The Champion Group, Unum, Newbury Building Society
Sustainable Champion
Brevity Marketing, Afrizi, Milk Club
New Business of the Year
Fonseca Fitness, The Hampshire Vet, Milk Club
Service Excellence
SightCare Services, NFU Mutual North Hampshire, Restaurant @BCoT
Best Place to Work
Simpila Wellbeing, Mini Tec, Edison Smart
The winners will be revealed on the awards night.
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