The News Business Excellence Awards 2021: Green businesses urged to step forward for important honour

Whether it was a new recycling scheme, the launch of an environmentally-friendly product, an awareness campaign, fundraising for a green cause, a new green policy, or even a community litter pick, whatever the reason, large or small, The News wants to hear about the sustainable work being done.

The annual awards, which are free to enter, recognises the best in business in the region. It is back for its 20th year and the winners will be revealed at a ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall.

Entries for its 15 categories are open - and people are being encouraged to put their submissions in before the March 19 deadline.

This week, Portsmouth Water showed its support by sponsoring the Sustainable Business Award.

Ian Limb, from Portsmouth Water, said: ‘We are delighted to support the awards.

‘As a business, we have been around for over 160 years working to benefit our community by providing water to the local community.

‘We pride ourselves on being a community-based organisation that not only provides an essential resource but looks to enrich the communities we serve.

‘We can’t wait to join in the celebration and recognise all the great things that are being done by businesses in our region. In these difficult times we should celebrate our successes.

‘The environment is something we are passionate about and goes to the core of our vision of “delivering excellence for our customers, our people, our environment and the communities we serve.” We are delighted to put our name as sponsor of the Sustainable Business Award.’

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

Pat Smith, from lead sponsor the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘It is great to have Portsmouth Water as the category sponsor of the Sustainable Business Award.

‘Sustainability and the environment is one of the university's five key research themes and an integral part of its strategy to be a climate-positive university by 2030.

‘We are keen to hear about the businesses in our region who are leading the way on this important agenda.’

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 portsmouthbusinessexcellence.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 (Sponsored by Portsmouth Water)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Overall Business of the Year