THE hunt is on for the best SME or independent businesses across the Winchester district.

This category is sponsored by Winchester BID and will be presented to a dynamic company with less more than 15 FTE employees which demonstrates all round excellence in business.

Executive Director of the BID, Dr Paul Spencer said: “After such a challenging time and as restrictions begin to ease this is the perfect time to recognise the achievements of our fantastic local businesses which have shown such resilience in hard times and reward them for their commitment to excellence. Independent businesses in Winchester contribute to the character and life of the city, helping to make it a unique and exciting place to live, work and visit.

“This award is open to BID levy paying businesses and aims to recognise commercial success, growth and achievement as well as innovation and creativity. This award also aims to celebrate businesses which engage and contribute to Winchester life.”

The awards are organised in partnership by the Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester BID and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and are open to businesses within the district.

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.

The judges will be looking to announce the three finalists in each category on Thursday 22nd July in the Hampshire Chronicle and on hampshirechronicle. co.uk and then a celebratory awards event, will conclude the awards on Thursday 2nd September.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Hampshire Chronicle or on hampshirechronicle.co.uk and will also be featured in the category winners’ coverage in the Hampshire Chronicle or on hampshirechronicle.co.uk

Or, you may know someone who you could nominate for one of our other awards:

Awards categories include:

• Business Leader Award

• Charity Award

• Social Enterprise Award

• Large Business Award

• SME/Independent Business Award

• New Business Award

• Digital Innovation Award

• Sustainable Business Award

• Service Excellence Award

The Millennium Egg will be awarded by Winchester City Council

Enter now at winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk.