WHEN it comes to being diversity and inclusion champions, they all walk the walk – but only one of four finalists can be the winner at the Inspire Business Awards.

Penningtons Manches Cooper, ResourceIT Consulting, Willows Coffee House, and Basingstoke College of Technology have all already done well to make the final cut for the prestigious awards.

Hannah Monck, Fundraising and Innovation specialist at Diversity and Inclusion Champion category sponsor Sovereign, said: “Equality, diversity, and inclusion is a golden thread that runs through our corporate ambitions and values, and we are committed to creating environments where all customers and employees are valued and respected and can be their true selves.

“Sovereign is delighted to be sponsoring the Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award at this year’s Inspire Business Awards. It was wonderful to see so many nominations from local businesses which are embedding diversity and inclusion in their business culture, and we look forward to celebrating with the finalists at the awards ceremony in July.”

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.

Tickets are now on sale and are selling fast. There is a limited number left so anyone who wishes to be part of this great business celebration and networking events can purchase their tickets by going to destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/product/inspire-awards.

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