The Winchester Business Excellence Awards have been launched, with the prize in its 20th year.

With last year being full of uncertainty regarding lockdowns, this is a chance for you to recognise the local businesses which have gone above and beyond.

It will be a privilege for us to honour some of the many who have led their businesses through it all. But the judges will face a tough job.

Paul Spencer, executive director of Winchester BID, said: “On behalf of Winchester BID, Local IQ, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and all the sponsors and supporters of these prestigious awards, I can say that we are very excited to be celebrating 20 years of the Winchester Business Excellence Awards in 2022.

“Nominations are now open for this year’s awards, which will offer Winchester businesses the opportunity to promote major achievements and celebrate success, rewarding businesses and inspirational people from the business community for their commitment to excellence.”

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Natwest are assisting in the judging of this year's awards. Natwest local enterprise manager, Lucy Kitcher said: “Natwest are delighted to be supporting the Winchester Business Excellence Awards again. These awards reflect our passion for entrepreneurship and in 2022 we are proud to launch our newest Accelerator Hub right here in Hampshire offering tailored support empowering business from pre-start to established players.

“It’s an amazing journey that’s fully funded and you don’t even need to be a Natwest customer.”

The awards organised in partnership by The Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester BID and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce are sponsored by Paris Smith, Dutton Gregory, Winchester City Council, Winchester University, Winchester BID, Azets, Ridge & Partners and Gentian.

The awards are also supported by Natwest, Little Kitchen and Chesil House and are open to businesses within the Winchester District.

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

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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 May 12 in the Hampshire Chronicle and on hampshirechronicle. co.uk and then a celebratory awards event, will conclude the awards on Thursday June 9.

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.

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 and Service Excellence Award.

Enter now at winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk.

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 Business of the Year Award will be nominated to the overall winner that will be chosen by the judging panel form all the category winners.

Closing date for nominations Thursday April 28.

To enter, click here. 

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Kimberley Barber