Written by Lauren Howard – Hampshire Chronicle.
Online article can be viewed on the Hampshire Chronicle here.
BUSINESS people from across the district gathered for the launch of the 13th annual Winchester Business Excellence Awards last week.
Norton Park Hotel in Sutton Scotney hosted this year’s gathering which saw around 100 people enjoy champagne and canapés as they networked at the event.
The awards, which promote the best businesses across the Winchester district, were founded by the Hampshire Chronicle and now run with the help of Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) and the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.
Launching the event this year was Winchester BID manager Catherine Turness.
“Believe it or not we’re now in our 13th year and the calibre gets stronger every year,” she said.
“This event couldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors.”
Once again the event’s main sponsor this year is Denplan, which has also sponsored the Business of the Year category — one of the highest accolades to be presented at the awards ceremony which will be held in the Winchester Guildhall, on Friday, June 5.
“No event would be complete without a glittering black tie award ceremony,” Miss Turness added.
Deputy chief executive of the chamber of commerce, Maureen Frost, said: “Hampshire Chamber is involved with a number of awards across the county. It’s all too easy to be caught up in all the bad news in the world. This is a way of celebrating the real successes.
“We really do need to celebrate the success of you who run these businesses. Get involved, get entering and good luck to everyone.”
This year sees two changes in the categories as the Winchester Food Experience and Small Business of the Year awards have been replaced with the Excellence Online Award, backed by new sponsor Rooster Creative Marketing, and the Wilkins Kennedy Excellence in Innovation award.
Amanda Davison-Young, managing director of the Hampshire Chronicle, said: “It’s great to see so many people here. The Chronicle is, as always, delighted to be involved with these awards and, as founding partner, we have seen the competition go from strength to strength. I look forward to seeing you all at the gala awards celebrations in June.”
