The deadline for entry was Saturday, November 29, and BusinessWeek is proud to reveal it has received more than 100 entries, from around 80 separate firms and individuals.
A committee of judges – including business correspondent Adam Kula, The New
s editor Mark Waldron, the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from an array of sponsors – will scrutinise the entries and narrow them down to a handful of contenders.
The most popular categories have been Company of the Year, attracting firms including Chemring, McMurdo and last year's winner, Apollo Fire Detectors, and Team of the Year, with entries ranging from the committee of independent shopkeepers behind Love Albert Road, to a group from newly-formed warship giant BVT.
The shortlist is expected to be announced on December 16.
All entrants are welcome to attend the black-tie, three-course meal prize-giving soiree at 7.30pm on January 22 at Portsmouth's Guildhall, when the winners, runners-up and highly commended in the eight open categories will be unveiled by presenter Sally Taylor.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to a venerable business leader in the region – chosen by a select judging panel.
One of the judges, Chas Morrison, Adviser Manager for Business Link, said it would mark a positive start to 2009: 'As a judge for the awards, it's been heartening to see the positive reaction of management and staff of companies which have reached the final stages over the last three years. The delight among winners has been especially evident.
'In these troubled economic times, the awards are a reminder that in the News area there is a vibrant and innovative business community adjusting to the needs of its clients and customers.'
Tickets cost £45 per head, and around 60 tables of 12 are available for £540.
For tickets, please contact The News retail sales manager David Hoggarth on (02392) 622201.
The full article contains 342 words and appears in The News newspaper.
