Business Excellence Awards 2021: Date set in July for a huge celebration and defence firm BAE Systems announces sponsorship

BAE Systems has sponsored the Company Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative of the Year award at The News’ Business Excellence Awards, which are set to return with a huge party to the Portsmouth Guildhall on July 8.

The event has been moved from May to allow for celebrations to take place without restrictions.

BAE Systems, which makes advanced defence technology, employs approximately 3,400 people in the Solent area and 34,100 people across the UK, working with 6,000 UK suppliers and local partners.

A spokeswoman said they were delighted to return as sponsor for another year.

She said: ‘We recognise our responsibility to our local community in Portsmouth as one of its largest employers and the importance of supporting causes that have meaning to our business and the community.

‘That’s why our employees in Portsmouth helped to develop a ventilator for use by the NHS and donated vital PPE to hospitals and medical facilities around the locality.

SEE ALSO: The News Business Excellence Awards 2020 - full list of winners

‘We also provided online educational resources for young people and financial support to local charities like the Hive to enable them to provide care packages and food relief to the most vulnerable.

‘Moreover, in a year that has seen unemployment grow, we’re looking to recruit 1,250 new trainees to our early careers programmes in 2021.

‘Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, BAE Systems has continued to deliver for the Royal Navy, while taking action to keep its people safe.

‘That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the corporate social responsibility award to celebrate the work of people and organisations in Portsmouth that make a difference to our community.’

Pat Smith, from the awards’ lead sponsor the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘As the University ‘for’ Portsmouth, we work collaboratively with many community, charity and social enterprises to positively enrich economic, social and cultural life in the city. This is a category dear to my heart and I’ll be interested to hear of the great initiatives.’

Awards recognise best businesses in region

NOW in their 20th year, The News is proud to launch the 2021 Business Excellence Awards.

These awards recognise a cross section of businesses and the vital role they play in the success of the region.

The awards ceremony will take place on July 8 at the Portsmouth Guildhall and will be attended by more than 300 guests, as well as being live streamed.

For more information go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk or e-mail Richard Thompson, group events director, on [email protected] or call 07385 348816

This year's categories:

Small Business of the Year

Medium Business of the Year (Sponsored by Citrus IT Support)

Large Business of the Year

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by the University of Portsmouth)

Start up Business of the Year

International Business of the Year

Employer of the Year

Leisure, Retail & Tourism Business of the Year

Training Programme of the Year

Company CSR Initiative of the Year (Sponsored by BAE Systems)

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Portsmouth College)

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sustainable Business Award (Sponsored by Portsmouth Water)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Overall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Verisona Law)