THE entry deadline for the 2022-23 INSPIRE Business Awards has passed – and now the judges face the challenge of choosing the category finalists.

Nearly 100 entries have come in for this year’s awards – and business stars and successful companies in the Basingstoke and Deane, Hart, Rushmoor and Test Valley areas will soon find out if they have made the final cut.

John Biffen, chair of the INSPIRE Business Awards steering group, said: “We have been delighted with the quality of entries to this year’s awards – the judges are going to have a tough job when it comes to picking the finalists and winners.

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“The first round of judging will take place over the coming weeks and the finalists will then be announced towards the end of the month.”

There are plenty of exciting changes in store for the 2022-23 event as the prestigious awards, which are organised by Destination Basingstoke, move to a new venue and timeslot in the calendar.

Thursday, July 13 is the date for the diary and The Anvil in Basingstoke will be the place to be as people and businesses from Basingstoke and Deane, Rushmoor and Test Valley compete for the winner’s prize in 12 categories.

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This year’s charity is Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, and The Gazette is once again the media partner for the prestigious awards.

All those selected as finalists will receive two free tickets to the awards final, and tickets will also be made available for other guests to come along and be part of this very special event.

The 2022-23 award categories are:

  1. Business of the Year (Over £1million turnover) – sponsored by Absolutely Offices
  2. Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Menzies
  3. Employer of the Year – sponsored by Reality HR
  4. New Business of the Year – sponsored by Trustmark
  5. Business and Community – sponsored by Destination Basingstoke
  6. Innovation for Growth – sponsored by RSM
  7. Service Excellence – sponsored by Morr & Co Solicitors
  8. Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Minuteman Press
  9. Environmental Responsibility – sponsored by Vitacress
  10. Wellbeing at Work – sponsored by Festival Place
  11. Diversity and Inclusion Champion – sponsored by Sovereign
  12. Small Business of the Year – available for sponsorship