JUDGES are now looking for the best businesses in the district for this year’s Winchester Business Excellence Awards (WBEA), organised in partnership by the Hampshire Chronicle, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Winchester BID.

This year’s Service Excellence award, sponsored by one of the UK’s leading wealth managers, Brewin Dolphin, will be presented to the company with a genuine and innovative focus on customer service with a clear understanding of customer needs.

A spokesperson from Brewin Dolphin said: “Founded in 1762, we help our clients achieve their ambitions through expert, personalised financial planning and investment management advice.

“Whether you are looking to generate an income, fund a personal passion, or plan for retirement, our first investment will always be in understanding your priorities and building a personal relationship with you.

“We now have 30 offices across the UK, Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland, and having had a base in Bournemouth for many years, we were delighted to be able to open our Winchester office last year.

“The value of investments and any income from them can fall and you may get back less than you invested.”

Nominations by either the businesses themselves or someone else, can now be made.

The other categories are:

  • Young Business Person Award;
  • Social Enterprise Award;
  • Business Leader Award;
  • SME/Independent Business Award;
  • New Business Award;
  • Digital Innovation Award;
  • Eco-business Award;
  • Large Business Award;
  • The Millennium Egg will continue to be awarded by the city council to the organisation or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the area.
  • The Business of the Year Award will be given to the overall winner chosen by the judges from all of the category winners.

A culminating ceremony will be held to announce the winners, taking place on Thursday, June 6 at the University of Winchester.

The awards have long been recognised as a key date, and WBEA finalists will receive two tickets to the awards ceremony and dinner.

Once received, nominations will be considered by the judging panel and may be subject to a ‘mystery shopper’ visit and a Natwest health check.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Hampshire Chronicle or on Hampshirechronicle.co.uk.

To nominate, enter online at winchesterbusinessawards. co.uk. Alternatively, send a 100-250 word email to wbeawards@localiq.co.uk, including the category, business name, address, website, contact name and telephone number.

Closing date for nominations is May 6.