Recap all the updates from the Business Excellence Awards 2021 in Portsmouth

Pictured is: Professor Jeremy Howells, executive dean of faculty of business and law at the University of Portsmouth, and editor of The News Mark Waldron. Picture: Keith Woodland (080721-6)

The much anticipated return of the Business Excellence Awards took place tonight.

Due to the pandemic, the event was postponed until July 8 instead of its usual February slot.

But finally the night was upon us and there was much excitement at Portsmouth Guildhall.

The ceremony took place this evening and honours were handed out across 15 different categories.

Pictured is: Billy & Steve Barrett from Diamond Cut Refinishing. Picture: Keith Woodland (080721-4)

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The awards ranged from apprentices up to lifetime achievements, from start up businesses to large.

Tickets were strictly limited, due to Covid restrictions, but if you were unable to attend the event, you can follow all the updates in our recap blog from throughout tonight.

We brought you all the latest updates as well as photos during the event.

There was also a livestream taking place on our Facebook page from 9pm, in collaboration with Giant Leap. Make sure to tune in!

Recap all the updates in our blog below.

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, for 27p a day.

Latest updates from the Business Excellence Awards 2021

Key Events

The awards are taking place tonight
Event is being held at Portsmouth Guildhall
Honours will be handed out over 15 categories

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:03 GMT

Company CSR Initiative of the Year

Sponsored by BAE Systems

Winner: Fair Ways

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:04 GMT

Employer of the Year

Sponsored by HSDC

Winner: Fair Ways

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:06 GMT

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Sponsored by Portsmouth College

Winner: Matthew Haskett, Apollo Fire Detectors

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:13 GMT

Start Up Business of the Year

Winner: Mystery Guides

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:14 GMT

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by Solent LEP

Winner: Pastry Corner

Highly commended: Ruby Funerals

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:16 GMT

Medium Business of the Year

Sponsored by Citrus IT Support

Winner: Diamond Cut Refinishing

Highly commended: Excell Metal Spinning

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:19 GMT

Large Business of the Year

Sponsored by Portsmouth City Council

Winner: BAE Systems

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:26 GMT

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by University of Portsmouth

Winner: Tony Barnett of Barnbrook Systems

Thu, 08 Jul, 2021, 22:31 GMT

Our final award of the night is... Overall Business of the Year

Sponsored by Verisona Law