TODAY is the last chance to enter the INSPIRE14 Business Awards.

Those thinking of entering or making a nomination have until midnight to enter online at inspirebusinessawards.co.uk.

There are 13 categories on offer, including the Business and the Community Award, sponsored by Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA) formerly known as Basingstoke Voluntary Services (BVS).

This particular award is open to businesses that go over and above to create a positive, sustainable and societal impact as part of their corporate and social responsibility role.

BVA is able to sponsor this award thanks to an anonymous donation made directly to Destination Basingstoke – the organisers of the INSPIRE Business Awards.

“We would never have had this opportunity,” explained Rebecca Kennelly, chief executive of BVA, based at The Orchard, in White Hart Lane, Basingstoke.

“The unknown donor wanted to give BVA the opportunity to raise our profile in the business community now that we are launching a new brand and name.”

Delighted to be involved with INSPIRE14 Rebecca said: “The business community have so much to give to their local communities and voluntary organisations.

“Corporate social responsibility benefits not just the community but the companies as well, in enabling staff to develop new skills and build team relations in roles outside the day-to-day work environment.

“It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the support local companies give to communities.

“I am also excited about having the opportunity to promote our charity’s new brand name with the business community and help promote business involvement in the community through this award.”

Yet again St Mary Bourne-based Vitacress Salads is sponsoring the Sustainable Business of the Year Award.

Vitacress Salads began its sponsorship of the INSPIRE Sustainable Business Category Award last year, believing it sat well with its business objectives and principles.

Carrie Hutchings, of Vitacress Salads, said: “Many local businesses, both large and small, invest a lot of resource into sustainability, recognising not just the environmental and staff motivation benefits but also the rewards offered through improvements to processes, new market and product opportunities, growth and finance.

“We would like to encourage these businesses to enter the awards.

“We’d be interested to hear about any measures businesses have taken to reduce their waste volumes, water usage or carbon emissions or maybe they can demonstrate other innovative ways of developing sustainability across business functions and the impacts of these measures.”