New category seeks to honour young entrepreneurs at The News' Business Excellence Awards 2021

The News Business Excellence Awards, now in its 20th year, recognises, rewards and celebrates businesses from all industries across a wide range of categories.

It is free to enter and culminates in an awards ceremony, gala dinner and night of celebration at the Guildhall Portsmouth on May 21.

This year, for the first time, ambitious young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 24 living in the Portsmouth area are invited to enter the new ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award category.

The ‘Young Entrepreneur’ can be in any sector and set up as limited company, social enterprise or sole trader.

The category was the brainchild of this year’s lead sponsors the University of Portsmouth.

Experts from the university, as well as other business professionals and The News editor Mark Waldron, will judge the nominees on why they set up the business, what impact they are having in the region, and what their hopes are for the next one to three years.

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

Dr Chris Worrall, innovation director at the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘Portsmouth is leading the way when it comes to start-ups and many young people have set up their business during the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘We want businesses who make a real difference to their community, the environment or who provide jobs to local people to submit entries.’

Mark said he was proud that his newspaper was able to host these awards again – and that he was looking forward to reading the entries.

He said: ‘I am excited to see the entries for this category, I know there are some great young people doing some amazing things in what has been a tough year for everybody.

‘To see young people thrive and strike out on their own in business is inspirational for us all.’

Entries are now open and the deadline is March 19.

For more or to enter go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk/

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, e-mail advertising manager [email protected]

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