Show your business star just how much you appreciate them

That’s the message from business leaders in anticipation of the return of the annual Business Excellence Awards, due to be held for the 16th time on February 10 at Portsmouth Guildhall.

The awards, run by The News, will see accolades handed out in 15 categories, ranging from small business to large business, and including business personality of the year and lifetime achievement.

All entries are judged by a panel of experts, before the winners are announced on the night, following a three-course black-tie gala dinner. The awards are free to enter and just require a short form to be submitted online.

Organiser Liz Parker said: ‘We’ve seen lots of entries in the past few days but what we are still really keen to see are nominations for the business personality of the year award and the lifetime achievement category.

‘Of course we welcome all entries up until Friday’s closing date, but if you can think of someone special who has been working within your business for a long time, or who has achieved a great deal, possibly in times of adversity, then there’s no better way to show your appreciation than putting them forward.

‘The same applies for the business personality of the year award. If you have that certain someone in your office or business who makes work that little bit sweeter, why not say thanks and nominate them?’

The awards have received backing from some major names in business and education. Many of the categories have been sponsored, such as the Employer of the Year category, which has been sponsored by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Maureen Frost, director of operations at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘I would like to urge any local business to consider entering.

‘It is always good to show off good practice and local success stories.

‘It can be a really good morale boost for your staff when they win an award.’

Maureen said she was looking forward to it. ‘It always has a really good buzz to it, it’s great for networking and it is a really good night,’ she said.

Investment firm Just Develop It, in Fareham, has sponsored the Business Personality of the Year category.

Carla Bannister, group HR manager at the company, said: ‘The Business Excellence awards are a great opportunity to celebrate company succession. As we are a local investment company, we thrive to see other businesses succeed. We have seen amazing growth and look forward to the award ceremony.’

To enter go to jpsouthevents.co.uk or to sponsor the night email [email protected]