Business Excellence Awards 2021: Firm shows support after tough year

Citrus IT Support, which is based in Portsmouth, has stepped up to sponsor the Medium Business of the Year category at this year’s The News Business Excellence Awards - helping to ensure this important event goes ahead.

The annual awards are set to return in May with a glittering ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall, recognising the best in business across a range of sectors and categories.

Citrus IT Support director Daniel O’Brien said: ‘Last year was a bad year for many of us, now there is light at the end of the tunnel we wanted to be a part of something that celebrates the success of business in the city. Now more than ever is the time to support local businesses.

‘We work with many businesses and have seen how they have struggled through the pandemic. We really wanted to support.’

Citrus IT support was founded in 1994 and run as a small IT company supplying IT support, communications and consultancy in Hampshire. It was originally started by David Grenfell until it was merged in to the Citrus Group in 2020.

Daniel encouraged firms to get involved with the awards.

He added: ‘Portsmouth has been ranked number one on a list of the UK’s most entrepreneurial cities. By taking part you are rubbing shoulders with some of the best business owners in the UK.

‘There is a chance to network, meet like-minded business owners and be in the spotlight. We love going to build our network and to hear the inspirational success stories.’

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

Pat Smith, from lead sponsor the University of Portsmouth said: ‘This is an exciting category, where innovation, pioneering of new markets or the successful setting up of a major new operation, will need to be demonstrated.

‘These are all areas that help medium-sized businesses to grow.‘Last year's category winner was My Learning Cloud, who also won the Overall Business of the Year. I wonder if this year's recipients will also do the double.’

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 May 21 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

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)