THEY have already made a great start in the business world – and now one them is set to be crowned the Inspire Business Awards New Business of the Year.

Elai Restaurant, Afrizi, and Physical Balance have made the final three – and each is being visited by two judges before the decision is made on who the winner is.

Simon Ayers, chief executive officer of New Business of the Year category sponsor TrustMark, said: "TrustMark is proud to support the Inspire Business Awards, which celebrates the best of business in Basingstoke and the surrounding area.

“The New Business category is particularly important to us as we believe that it is essential to support new businesses which are the lifeblood of any local economy.  

“We hope that the awards will help to give these businesses the recognition they deserve and possibly inspire others to start their own ventures. We wish all of those shortlisted the very best of luck.”

READ MORE: Inspire awards: Four finalists in running for Business of the Year

TrustMark, based on Basing View, is the only Government endorsed quality scheme covering work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, TrustMark takes pride in supporting scheme providers and registered businesses to improve consumer protection and standards across all sectors.

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 11 categories at the Inspire Business Awards.

Award-winning adventurer Jordan Wylie MBE – star of hit series Hunted and Celebrity Hunted – will be a VIP guest and compere at this year’s awards.

SEE ALSO: Finalists revealed for this year's Inspire Business Awards

Former soldier Jordan, who was awarded a MBE by King Charles III for his services to education and charity on the Horn of Africa in January 2023, is a supporter of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) – the chosen charity of the 2022-23 Inspire Business Awards.

Tickets will go on sale at the end of this month and will be available to purchase by members of the local business community and general public.

The 2022-23 finalists are:

Business of the Year (Over £1million turnover) – sponsored by Absolutely Offices

  • Scientific Management International 
  • Phillips Law
  • Wildflower Turf
  • Touchdown PR

Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Menzies

  • Matthew Larcome
  • Farah Fonseca
  • Nikki Carr

Employer of the Year – sponsored by Reality HR

  • LG Motion
  • Right at Home
  • ResourceIT Consulting
  • Scientific Management International

New Business of the Year – sponsored by TrustMark

  • Elai Restaurant
  • Afrizi
  • Physical Balance

Business and Community – sponsored by Destination Basingstoke

  • Fortem Financial Management Limited
  • THEMPC Limited
  • Yateley Sports Community Interest Company

Service Excellence – sponsored by Morr & Co Solicitors

  • Hampshire Tile Warehouse
  • Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services Ltd
  • Cevitr Ltd

Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Minuteman Press

  • Michaela Hamilton
  • Dmitrijs Meiksans
  • La-Toyah McKenzie

Environmental Responsibility – sponsored by Vitacress

  • Longdog Brewery
  • Dignity Pet Crematorium
  • The Typeface Group

Wellbeing at Work – sponsored by Festival Place

  • ResourceIT Consulting
  • Castle Trust Bank
  • Simpila Mental Health
  • Basingstoke College of Technology

Diversity and Inclusion Champion – sponsored by Sovereign

  • Penningtons Manches Cooper
  • ResourceIT Consulting
  • Willows Coffee House
  • Basingstoke College of Technology

Small Business of the Year – sponsored by RSM

  • Indigo Bakes
  • Simpila Mental Health
  • Physical Balance