Nominations open for Inspire Awards 2026 in Basingstoke

The awards, celebrating local businesses' achievements, innovation and resilience, are open for nominations until Friday, July 31.

The awards will take place at the end of Basingstoke Business Week 2026.

This year, new categories have been introduced, offering more opportunities to recognise the diverse strengths of businesses across the borough.

Destination Basingstoke Finalist Evening at Oakley Hall Hotel. (Image: Sarah Gaunt)

The 2026 award categories are:
• Apprentice / Trainee of the Year
• New Business of the Year (Under 3 Years)
• Small Business of the Year (1–49 Employees)
• Scale-Up / Growth Business of the Year
• Innovation and Technology Champion
• Service Excellence Champion
• Hospitality and Leisure Business of the Year
• Rural & Agricultural Business of the Year
• Creative and Cultural Business of the Year
• Community Impact Award (Business & the Community)
• Business Leader of the Year
• Winner of Winners

The awards offer a platform to showcase success and recognise businesses, colleagues, teams and leaders who exceed expectations.

Destination Basingstoke is urging the local community to participate and highlight the people and organisations driving Basingstoke and Deane's forward

A spokesperson for Destination Basingstoke said: “The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, innovation and resilience of organisations and people who are making a real difference to the local economy and community.

"Whether nominating a business, a colleague, a team or an inspiring leader, the awards provide a valuable platform to showcase success and recognise those who go above and beyond."

For more information, visit destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/inspire/inspire-award-categories-2026.