The News Business Excellence Awards 2021: Law firm steps up to sponsor headline winner

Verisona Law, which is based at Lakeside, North Harbour, has stepped up and shown its support for the local area by sponsoring the Overall Business of the Year category.

The awards are the largest event on the Portsmouth business calendar and are due to return on May 21 at the Portsmouth Guildhall, where 15 winners will be announced across a range of different categories.

Verisona Law said it was both proud and excited to be returning as sponsors for the Overall Business of the Year category.

All sponsors automatically become judges, and join a panel of experts to rigorously assess the hundreds of entries.

The Overall Business of the Year winner is picked from the other categories as the best example and becomes the headline winner.

Sue Ball, principal lawyer and head of employment law from Verisona Law, said: ‘On the one hand it is a hugely enjoyable process because you get to learn about inspirational, and often quite moving, success stories of determination and hard work, but, on the other, it can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge to decide upon just one stand-out winner.

‘My fellow judges and I are particularly looking forward to witnessing and celebrating the successes that have come from this challenging year.

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

‘These awards come at a time where they are needed more than ever to champion our resilient business culture and praise the organisations, employers, staff and charities who have gone above and beyond to keep our thriving community going.’

Pat Smith, from lead sponsor the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘It is extremely hard to choose just one winner from each category, but choosing the Overall Business of the Year must be even harder, so it's good to know that Verisona Law are sponsoring this category again.

‘With their past experience and knowledge of businesses in the region, their judgement is always sound, with some of the past winners being Sweet Dreamers and My Learning Cloud.’

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 (Sponsored by Verisona Law)