High praise as awards tickets on sale later this week Â

As tickets go on sale for this year's awards evening, taking place at Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday, February 1, Giant Leap, one of the event's sponsors, has spoken about how important winning an award can be for businesses.

Company director Bill Moulsdale said: '˜We have been involved with the awards for a good few years now.

'˜It's a good event for businesses '“ it's well-run and certainly worthwhile for all the businesses involved.

'˜Companies that have won awards in the past have really benefited from it. It really helps firms to grow, especially the smaller businesses.'

As one of the category sponsors, Bill will be casting his eye over the final shortlist, helping to choose the eventual winner.

He said: '˜We're sponsoring the International Development of the Year award.'

'˜Sometimes it is really tough to pick out a winner.

'˜We have really good entrants every time '“ the standard of entries is always very high.

'˜We're really looking forward to the night and it's great to be there as a sponsor for the event.'

Tickets for the Business Excellence Awards will go on sale this Wednesday.

The black tie event will include an opportunity to socialise over drinks before heading into the main hall for dinner '“ which will be followed by the awards presentation.

Organiser Liz Parker said: '˜This year has been really good for the awards.

'˜We've had a record number of entries, all of which are at an incredibly high standard.

'˜The final shortlist will be released in the next couple of months.'

To purchase your ticket go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk