Find out who has made the grade on the Business Excellence awards 2017 short list...

Highly Commended Small Business, Carrington West. The News Business Excellence Awards 2016, hosted at The Guildhall, Portsmouth. Picture: Allan Hutching

TICKETS are already selling fast as hundreds of people look to secure their place at Portsmouth's most prestigious business awards.

The event attracts hundreds of entries across its 15 categories, which range from Start-up Business of the Year to Large Business of the Year, also recognising inspirational personalities, hard-working apprentices, dedicated teams and passionate retailers, plus more.

The winners will be picked by a panel of expert judges and announced at a glamorous black-tie ceremony held at Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday, February 10 from 7pm.

The award presentations follow a three-course meal, with entertainment afterwards – this year provided by DJ Greg Valentine Cosmic Disco.

This year, the night has been sponsored for the first time by law firm Trethowans. The company provides a comprehensive range of services for business and individual clients.

Lucy Grey, senior corporate lawyer at Trethowans, said: ‘We are immensely proud to support the Business Excellence Awards for the very first time this year.

‘As we are increasingly called upon by businesses to be their trusted legal partner, we believe it’s important to support initiatives such as this and help to celebrate the great work that goes on locally. We have been a leading figure in the region’s legal sector for the past 150 years and have four offices across the south coast as well as a base in London.

‘We support thousands of businesses and individuals, providing advice and support on a wide range of legal issues, from mergers and acquisitions to data protection, employment law and licensing.

Double award winners, Overall Business and Medium Business 2016 Aerial Business Communications. The News Business Excellence Awards 2016, hosted at The Guildhall, Portsmouth. Picture: Allan Hutchings

‘And while we work with some of the UK’s biggest household names, such as Ladbrokes and Pizza Hut, we are passionate about helping local businesses to grow through our expert advice.

‘Organisations trust us because of our proven track record over the past 150 years. Our team of 35 partners and more than 100 lawyers are widely recommended in independent national directories of the top law firms in the UK, including Chambers UK and the Legal 500.

‘Portsmouth has a thriving business community, with companies doing fantastic work that is doing the entire region proud. You only have to pick up a copy of The News and turn to the business section to see countless examples of local companies achieving great things.

‘These awards are vital in shining a light on these success stories and proving that Portsmouth is one of the best cities in the UK to live, work and do business.’

Solent Mobility Centre, Highly Commended in the Team of the year category at the News Business Excellence Awards 2016 which was held at The Guildhall in Portsmouth. Picture Ian Hargreaves

For more information go to trethowans.com *Tickets for the night cost £63 plus VAT and can be bought online at jpsouthevents.co.uk/events/event/the-news-business-excellence-awards-2017/ Deadline is Wednesday, February 1.

START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Basepoint Business Centres

Little Kanga, Lord Montgomery Way, Southsea

Double award winners, Winner Small Business and Highly Commended Employer, Precision Creative and Media. The News Business Excellence Awards 2016, hosted at The Guildhall, Portsmouth. Picture: Allan Hutchings (160145-719) PPP-160213-003218006

GlobeUs Training, Aerodrome Road, Gosport

Forever Together Funeral Care, Charlotte Street, Landport

Lawson Rose Estate Agents, Winter Road, Southsea

The Barbership, Castle Road, Southsea

GC Search and Select, Barnes Wallis Road, Fareham

Raisly, Southwick High Street, Southwick

Lifetime Achievement, David Oliver. The News Business Excellence Awards 2016, hosted at The Guildhall, Portsmouth. Picture: Allan Hutchings (160145-707) PPP-160213-003143006

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by The University of Portsmouth Business School

Turbulent Designs, Langstone Technology Park, Havant

Kate Preston Hair & Beauty, Arundel Drive, Fareham

Somerville Stone, Henderson Road, Southsea

k-SPA, Solent Business Park, Whiteley

Headromance, Park Road South, Havant

Abstract Dance & Performing Arts, London Road, Hilsea

Pearl Fit-Out, Quartremaine Road, Copnor

Trafalgar Property Consultancy, Heritage Way, Gosport

Briscoe French, Crableck Lane, Fareham

Alliance Remedial Supplies, Regent Trade Park, Gosport

MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Portsmouth City Council

Carrington West, Lakeside North Harbour, Cosham

LeadStream UK, Barnes Wallis Road, Fareham

Transalis, Kingston Crescent, North End

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by BAE Systems

Market Makers, Lakeside North Harbour, Cosham

Vespasian Security, Harbour Court, North Harbour

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