ENTRIES for a prestigious awards ceremony celebrating the best of business across north Hampshire have opened.

The Inspire Business Awards celebrate companies of all shapes and sizes who have made a difference.

The awards have been organised by Destination Basingstoke and are funded entirely from sponsorship including headline sponsorship from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

SEE ALSO: Inspire Business Awards are now open for entry - here's all you need to know

One of the award categories is Employer of the Year which has been sponsored by Reality HR.

The Employer of the Year category is open to any business that employs staff and attracts entries from a wide range of businesses from all sectors, it is a chance for businesses to showcase how they nurture their staff through training and development, perks packages and engaging their team in business planning as well as a social and team building activities. At a time when recruitment and retention of staff are so important entering the award gives is an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate their positive policies and environment.

Sally-Ann Hall-Jones, chief executive of Reality HR, said: “The team at Reality HR have enjoyed supporting employers over the last 12 months as they emerged from the pandemic and faced new challenges. We’ve seen a very encouraging focus on good people management and staff wellbeing as, employers recognise that great, well supported people are at the heart of successful businesses. Our region has a diverse range of fantastic, growing companies and Employer of the Year is always a difficult category to judge. However, we can’t wait to see this year’s entries, and look forward to seeing many well-deserved nominations.”

Basingstoke Gazette: Sally Ann Hall-Jones Sally Ann Hall-Jones

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Read the criteria for entry below:

  • An organisation who puts a focus on employee development to create a motivated workforce
  • An organisation that can demonstrate how they keep their people at the heart of the organisation during tough times
  • An organisation that is committed to creating a positive working environment
  • An organisation that demonstrates excellence in leadership and management
  • An organisation who ensures and demonstrates fair treatment of their people

Entry is free to business of any size or type that is based in Basingstoke and Deane, Rushmoor, Hart, or Test Valley local authority areas.

The closing date is October 31 with the awards evening to be held in February 2023.

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