THE wait was finally over as the winners of this year's INSPIRE Business Awards were revealed at a glittering ceremony held last week.

Hundreds of business people from across north Hampshire attended the ceremony at De Vere Highfield Park Hotel, where the proud winners accepted their trophies on stage, as the army brass band of the Prince of Wales Division provided a trumpet fanfare.

The annual awards celebrate the very best of business success in the area.

This year saw the largest number of award entries ever received.

Around 600 people attended the spectacular evening, organised by Destination Basingstoke on behalf of sponsoring partners.

Winners and finalists came from all parts of north Hampshire with the coveted ‘Business of the Year’ Award going to a triumphant Croydex of Andover, who design and manufacture bathroom fittings.

The evening was compered by Felicity Edwards, managing director of Destination Basingstoke, and Mark Jones, director of fundraising and communications for the Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

Soul singer Natasha Watts entertained at the after party.

Mrs Edwards said: “It has been another fantastic year for INSPIRE with businesses really upping their game when they enter the awards – a real indication of the value businesses from across the region attach to INSPIRE as a way of celebrating their successes.”

To find out who all the winners are pick up a copy of your Gazette today where there are five pages of coverage with pictures and comments from the winners and sponsors.