BUSINESSES from across the city gathered for the launch of Winchester Business Excellence Awards.

The networking event was hosted by Chesil House on Thursday, February 1. 

Organised by the Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester BID, and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, these awards serve as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the district.

Last year, The Little Kitchen Company took home the top prize of Business Of The Year. 

Cait Salanson, owner of The Little Kitchen Company, said: “The Little Kitchen Company is absolutely delighted to remain so involved in the Winchester Business Excellence Awards. These awards bring together the very best Winchester has to offer, forging strong relationships between brilliant businesses for the greater good of the city. It's a privilege to participate again, and also as a previous winner, this year is even more special.”

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Mark Hixon, from Richard Steel & Partners which runs Chesil House, said: “Once again Chesil House is proud to play host to the launch of these prestigious local awards. 

“The opportunity to hear from previous award winners and meet potential nominees for the current year’s awards continues to be one of the highlights of our year at Chesil House.”

The awards are sponsored by Paris Smith, Dutton Gregory, Winchester City Council, Winchester University, Winchester BID, Trethowans, Ridge & Partners and JM Finn. 

In addition, the awards receive valuable support from Natwest, Honey & Harvey, Little Kitchen, and Chesil House.

Each nomination received will undergo meticulous evaluation by a judging panel and may be visited by a mystery shopper. 

The names of the three finalists in each category will be unveiled on Thursday, May 2. The awards evening will be on Thursday, May 30. 

The awards categories are: business leader; charity and social enterprise; large business; SME/independent business; new business; technology and innovation; sustainable business; service excellence; and creative and cultural.

Businesses can submit their entries at winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk.

Winchester City Council will award the Millennium Egg to a business or individual who has made an impact on the area. 

Also, the Business of the Year award will be chosen from the category winners.

Nominations for this year's Winchester Business Excellence Awards are open until Thursday, April 18. 

The awards package includes a £500 multi-media advertising prize for each category winner, valid until December 31.

To enter, visit newsquestevents.co.uk/business-awards-2/.