JUDGES for the Winchester Business Excellence Awards are looking for the best, smaller operations in the city.

The SME or Independent Business award sponsored by Winchester BID, will be presented to a dynamic company with fewer than 15 FTE employees which demonstrates all round excellence in business. 

Do you know a business like this? If so, you can nominate them. 

Winchester BID executive director Paul Spencer said: “Winchester BID is delighted to be sponsoring the Independent Business category as part of the Winchester Business Excellence Awards 2024. 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.”

Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and funded organisation formed to improve the commercial wellbeing of the city.

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There are now more than 330 BIDs across the country and Winchester was one of the first established in the south of England and has been in operation since 2008.

The BID delivers a programme of events, projects and services to help ensure that Winchester is marketed and promoted successfully. 

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.

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 a lasting impact. 

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/.