THE premier business awards in the Winchester district are open for nominations following a glitzy launch party.

The launch of the 2017 Winchester Business Excellence Awards, now in its 15th year, took place at the Cathedral's Wessex Centre.

The prestigious awards, sponsored by Denplan for the fifth year running, celebrate business in Winchester, including both established firms and the growing businesses.

The event is organised by the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) and the Hampshire Chronicle.

The awards on offer in 2017 are Business of the Year, Green Business of the Year, Independent Business of the Year, Excellence in Innovation Award, Small-Medium Enterprise Award and the Service Excellence Award.

There are also two new awards for Charity or Social Enterprise of the Year Award and Sparsholt Supporting Apprenticeships Award.

The event featured Anchor Pipework, who won the Small – Medium Enterprise award in 2016 and then scooped the overall Business of the Year award.  The guests were welcomed to the awards by Winchester BID's Catherine Turness, who handed over to Winchester Cathedral's Annabelle Boyes.

Ms Boyes thanked Hampshire County Council for their work with the Cathedral to create the newly-designed Wessex Centre, the launch's venue.  She added: "Winchester Cathedral was very proud to win one of the community awards a few years ago - good luck to everybody."

Helena Bissett from Anchor Pipework was then invited onto the stage.

Ms Bissett said winning two awards last year "tipped the balance in our favour."

She said: "We entered our business into these awards because we believe passionately in the service we offer, as well as for the sheer fun of it."

She added that the recognition from the awards made them stand out in a highly competitive market.  The black-tie awards ceremony, which includes drinks followed by a three-course meal, will take place in Winchester's Guildhall on June 2.

The awards are now open for nominations.

Entry forms available on the WBEA website, as well as from the Chamber of Commerce and Winchester BID.  For more information please visit: www.winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk