A CELEBRATION of businesses in Basingstoke has been postponed.

The Inspire Awards were meant to take place in February, however organisers have pushed the event back to later in the year. 

The annual ceremony, which is organised by not-for-profit Destination Basingstoke, has been delayed over fears of rising costs affecting businesses.

A meeting was held with sponsors on Tuesday, where they heard that entries have been consistent with previous years but that many firms were facing increasing pressures, so it was decided to give the event more time. 

Felicity Edwards, from Destination Basingstoke, said: "The deadline for the Inspire Business Awards has been extended to January 2, 2023, to allow more businesses to get involved.

Basingstoke Gazette:

"We understand that businesses large and small across the region may need time to adjust to the changing economic climate.

"This means the timetable for the awards evening itself will change and be held later in 2023, we look forward to sharing more details in the new year." 

READ MORE: Inspire Awards: Business and Community award category

The event was last held in November when hundreds of people got together to celebrate. 

The year before, the event was held virtually due to the pandemic. 

The awards recognise businesses in 12 categories from new business to large, with other awards given for environmental responsibility, young business person, innovation, well-being and more.

They are sponsored by companies such as Absolutely Offices, Menzies, Morr & Co, Face TV, Festival Place, Reality HR, RSM, Minuteman Press, Sovereign, Trustmark, and Vitacress. The Basingstoke Gazette is a media partner. 

It is hoped that the event will be able to go ahead later in 2023. 

To enter go to destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/inspire/inspire-categories.