Nominate the best businesses in the Portsmouth area for our annual awards

The News Business Excellence Awards, which recognise, reward and celebrate all the successful businesses and professional individuals in our area, are set to return for their 18th year.

An official launch event for 2019 is due to take place at the University of Portsmouth next Thursday.

Organiser Liz Parker said: '˜Each year these awards get bigger and better.

'˜Last year we were blown away by the standard of entries and hope to see some familiar faces as well as a host of new ones enter this year.

'˜These awards are a great way to reward staff and '” as our judging criteria is so strict '” winners can wear the accolade as a badge of honour afterwards, proving to their customers that they truly are the best in their field.'

The News is looking for entries from those who can prove business achievement and excellence in their field.

There are 15 categories to enter, ranging from Apprentice of the Year, Community Contribution, International Development up to Large Business of the Year, plus more.

There is also an award given to the Best Overall Business, awarded by the judges to the most outstanding winner of the 15 categories.

Earlier this year, Sweet Dreamers, a Waterloville-based baby product firm, won Small Business of the Year and was named Best Overall Business.

Founder Lynda Harding said she was amazed to pick up the accolade.

There is also a special Lifetime Achievement award given to somebody who has dedicated their life to making a difference to the business community.

This special honour went to Walter Cha in 2018.

Walter is well-known throughout the area as a hardworking businessman, chairman and natural leader '“ and managing director of CH4 Consulting.

He has played a massive role in boosting the local economy and helped launch Shaping Portsmouth, a private and public sector initiative.

The winners of the 2019 awards will be announced at black tie dinner held at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday, February 1.

Editor of The News Mark Waldron said: '˜It is a brilliant evening for businesses to enjoy their success in style. These are the companies that make Portsmouth and we couldn't be prouder of the exceptional standard in our region.'

All winners from The News' Business Excellence Awards 2019 will automatically go forward to the shortlist of the JP South Business Awards held at the Grand Hotel Brighton.

For more information go to portsmouth.co.uk/businessexcellenceawards/about/.

Limited spaces are available for a networking breakfast to launch the awards.

Mark Waldron, the editor of The News, and Trethowans, the headline sponsor, will welcome our category sponsors and a selection of Hampshire's most successful businesses.

The event, free to attend with a light breakfast provided, will be kindly hosted by the University of Portsmouth on Thursday, September 13, from 8am to 9.30am at The Future Technology Centre, 4th Floor, Portland St, Portsmouth, PO1 3HE. You must pre-register if you would like to attend.

To register email Liz Parker on [email protected] or fill in the form here

This is a free event and a light breakfast will be provided.

For more details see portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk