GREEN-minded businesses are undoubtedly the way forward.

That's why judges for the Winchester Business Excellence Awards are looking to name the best eco-friendly companies across the district.

The ‘Sustainable Business' category will be won by one that has reduced its impact on the environment in two or more of the following areas: green product innovation, emission of greenhouse gases, energy consumption, water consumption, production of waste and improving recycling rates, sustainable supply chain and procurement, transport impact of their goods or services, staff development and training on environmental impact.

Nominations for the awards, which are organised in partnership by the Hampshire Chronicle, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Winchester BID, are now open.

Enter now at winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk. Nominations now close on July 31 in light of the coronavirus crisis.

Each week the Chronicle has been giving details of each category.

These are:

• Young Business Person Award

• Social Enterprise Award

• Large Business Award

• Digital Innovation Award

• SME/Independent Business Award

• Service Excellence Award

• Business Leader Award

• The Millennium Egg will continue to be awarded by the Winchester City Council to the organisation or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Winchester area.

The awards will culminate in glitzy ceremony, now taking place in October at the University of Winchester.

It has long been recognised as a key date in the business calendar of the district, and 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.

Once received the nominations will be considered by our judging panel and may be subject to a ‘Mystery Shopper’ visit by the category sponsor.