Two-week countdown is on for Portsmouth Business Excellence Awards

The judges have been hard at work making the most important decisions - who will take home each of the 14 accolades available to pick up on the night.

It has been a tough deliberation for all involved, with such fantastic entries.

The category sponsors have been busy meeting the various shortlisted businesses and individuals and have passed their comments over to the expert panel of judges, made up of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce CEO Ross McNally, Trethowans partner Lucy Gleisner and The News editor Mark Waldron, who have whittled it down.

Mark said: ‘It is such a difficult day, with tough decisions to make, but such an enjoyable day too.

‘It is an honour to be able to read about the incredible businesses and individuals we have in and around our city and to learn about what they are doing on a daily basis.

‘However, all the entrants are so good this year, it has been hard for all of us to come to a decision.’

But there is one prize that is not picked by the panel - the Readers’ Choice - which is voted for by readers of The News by text.

Details of how to vote for your favourite business or individual can be found at portsmouth.co.uk.

The awards hold prestige among the business community and past winners say it has brought them further success and given their firm’s reputation a boost.

The winners of 14 categories – ranging from Start-up of the Year to Large Business of the Year, also including honours for apprentices, business personalities and lifetime achievement – will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday, February 21.

The evening will be compered by BBC’s Nick Wallis.

Tickets for the night are still available and can be purchased at portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk

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