WINCHESTER Business Excellence Awards have been launched at an exclusive event this morning (January 6).

The campaign, organised by The Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester BID, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, has begun and the panel are looking for the best businesses in the district.

Following the event at Chesil House, throwing open what has become an important part of the city's calendar, nominations are now live.

The awards celebrate brilliance across the district and will culminate in an awards ceremony, taking place on June 4 at the University of Winchester.

Those companies lucky enough to be become a Winchester Business Excellence Awards finalists will receive two tickets to the awards ceremony and dinner.

Nominations are welcomed for businesses or businesses are able to nominate themselves.

This year's categories are:

• Business Leader Award

• Young Business Person Award

• Social Enterprise Award

• Large Business Award

• SME/Independent Business Award

• New Business Award

• Digital Innovation Award

• Sustainable Business Award

• Service Excellence Award

Qualifying businesses must be located within the Winchester City Council District.

For more details and to enter go to www.winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk or hampshirechronicle.co.uk/awards.