THEY are all small businesses but each of them is determined to make a big impact by taking home one of the top prizes at the Inspire Business Awards.

Indigo Bakes, Simpila Mental Health, and Physical Balance are the three finalists battling it out for the small business crown at the prestigious awards.

Lizzie Goad, associate director of category sponsor RSM, said: “RSM are delighted to sponsor the Small Business of the Year award. As accountants and advisors, we understand the pressures and journeys that small companies must overcome and, as part of the local community, we are proud to be able to celebrate their success.”

READ MORE: Inspire Business Awards: New Business of the Year finalists

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.

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.

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.

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

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 28 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

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is the overall event sponsor, and the Gazette is media sponsor of the Inspire Business Awards.