Business Excellence Awards: Portsmouth awards are back for their 20th year and you can enter now

The awards, which are free to enter and recognise the best in business in the region, are now open for entries.

There are 15 categories to chose from – and calls are being made for businesses to step forward and sponsor each category, to help ensure the awards go ahead in style.

The award winners will be announced on May 21 at a gala dinner and ceremony held at The Portsmouth Guildhall.

For the first time, the event will be live streamed, allowing people to watch from home, and reaching a far wider audience than ever before.

Editor of The News Mark Waldron said: ‘It has never been more important to celebrate success than this year. It is a difficult time for all but there are still so many great things happening in local businesses that deserve to be recognised. It has been a turbulent year, and I’m delighted to see these awards go ahead. They mean so much to so many. Please help us make it a year to remember.’

Headline sponsor this year is the University of Portsmouth.

Pat Smith, small business manager at the University, said: ‘We are delighted to show our ongoing support of The News Business Excellence Awards as the headline sponsors for 2021.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity for the University to show its support and commitment to the regional business community.

‘The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic meant 2020 was a particularly difficult year for many businesses in the region, though many entrepreneurs who have started their business and a number of established businesses have thrived and grown stronger as a result.

‘These awards are an opportunity to shine a light on all of those businesses, to share their stories and celebrate their successes.’

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Sponsorship packages are available at £2,750 plus VAT and include tickets. E-mail [email protected] for details.

To enter go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk

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 portsmouthbusiness excellence.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

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

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sustainable Business Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

Overall Business of the Year