THE Winchester Business Excellence Awards are fast approaching and the first four categories have been announced.

The WBEA has worked hard to offer a range of categories. They want every business to be able to enter into at least one category.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award, sponsored by Winchester University, will reward people that are resilient, fuelled by adversity and undaunted by failure. Their positive outlook and can-do attitude are an inspiration to others.

The environment is one aspect that many businesses take into consideration in today’s world, and these people will be honoured with the Green Business of the Year prize, sponsored by Winchester City Council.

The winner must demonstrate awareness of their environmental impact and have made significant progress to cut their carbon footprint. Emphasis will be placed on the progress made, year on year. The business should either produce greener products or services, or demonstrate how they operate in a sustainable way.

Winchester is proud of its independent businesses, which make the city an individual and exciting place.

The Independent Business of the Year award, sponsored by Winchester BID, recognises the ongoing contribution that independent businesses make in growing and sustaining our economy.

They will also provide excellent customer experiences and make every customer leave with the feeling that they want to return.

A mystery shopper from Shop Anonymous will visit the finalists in this category to assess them.

The most prominent award is one that every business craves – The Business of the Year accolade, sponsored by Denplan.

Every company who enters any of the award categories will automatically be eligible to win Business of the Year, as long as they operate within the Winchester district.

The award looks for a business which can demonstrate sound financial and business planning.

The judges also look for clear relationship between its marketing strategy and development; and a clear plan for future growth.

Winners receive a trophy and a full page advert in the Hampshire Chronicle and on air coverage on The Breeze FM.

The ceremony takes place on Friday, June 3 in Winchester Guildhall.

To learn more, or to enter, visit www.winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk. The closing date is February 26.