It's time to enter the Business Excellence Awards 2017

The bridal boutique, in Albert Road, Southsea, was named Retailer of the Year at the Business Excellence Awards earlier this year for the second year running, and it went on to win the prize at the regional awards too.

All winners from the Business Excellence Awards, organised by The News, are automatically put forward to the regional award scheme, which took place in Brighton on September 30.

Married couple Rob and Andrew Pearce, who set up Creatiques and opened their first shop in 2006, say they hope to make it three years’ running and they are gearing up to enter next year’s awards.

Rob said: ‘It feels great to win again. Our friends went to the ceremony in Brighton to received the award on our behalf, but we were ecstatic.

‘We have won quite a few awards now, but the Business Excellence Awards are special as they have such a good standing in the business world. They are professional and that’s why we enter them year after year,.

‘It’s great to get recognition from the business community.

‘It is a great night and a fantastic networking event.’

Creatiques was shortlisted for Fashion Retailer of the Year at the Retail and Leisure Awards, also run by The News, held at the Portsmouth Guildhall last month.

The boutique is up for a whole host of accolades, including Retailer of the Year in the Retail Week Interior Awards, due to be announced on November 3 in London, and a British Small Business Award. Rob said they were also delighted to hear they have also made it to the finals of the Hampshire Wedding Awards.

He said: ‘It’s great to get through as we are just a small independent shop in Portsmouth, up against some really big names.’

The Business Excellence Awards, run by The News, are in their 16th year.

There are 15 categories to enter, ranging from Start-Up to Business Personality of the Year and Large Business of the Year. The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner held at Portsmouth Guildhall on February 10, 2017.

The event has been sponsored by south coast law firm Trethowans.

Award categories have also been sponsored by big names in business such as BAE Systems, University of Portsmouth, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Basepoint, Portsmouth City Council and Verisona Law.

To get involved and sponsor the awards, e-mail liz.parker@thenews. co.uk or for details on how to enter, go to jpsouthevents.co.uk/events/event/the-newsbusiness-excellenceawards-2017/