NORTH Hampshire’s largest and most prestigious business awards – INSPIRE14 – is set to launch this month.

De Vere Venues Highfield Park, near Hook, will be the setting for the starting gun to be fired on Monday, May 19.

The hotel and conference centre is sponsoring the event by providing a free lunch for local business people.

There, they will learn more about the annual INSPIRE Business Awards, which aim to celebrate the success and achievement of all types of businesses across north Hampshire.

Those attending will hear an introduction to the awards with information on how to enter and the benefits that taking part can bring to businesses.

Last November, the glittering awards ceremony was attended by more than 600 people, representing over 150 businesses from north Hampshire.

“Each year, the quality of entries and calibre of businesses gaining recognition and reward for their inspirational achievements grows,” said Felicity Edwards, managing director of Destination Basingstoke, which organises and manages the popular business awards.

“Those attending the launch will hear from previous winners and be given some tips on how to grab the judges’ attention.”

Felicity said those attending will also have an opportunity to chat with previous category winners and sponsors of the awards programme over lunch.

She said entry into the INSPIRE14 business awards is free yet the positive effects a win can have are invaluable.

To attend the free launch event, which runs from midday until 2pm, businesses should register at inspire businessawards.co.uk.

For more information, contact Kathryn Price at Destination Basingstoke on 01256 461167 or Felicity Edwards on 07921 765 354.