NEW businesses shape the future of our district.

That is why the Winchester Business Awards has a category dedicated to recognising the best of the best.

The category, sponsored by Dutton Gregory, honours businesses established within the past two years whose early success lays the foundation for sustained growth and development. The judges seek a clearly conveyed business concept that exhibits potential for expansion and evolution.

Andrew Witt, head of litigation and partner at Dutton Gregory, said: “We are delighted to not only be returning as well-established sponsors of the New Business category of the Winchester Excellence Business Awards, but also to pass on the ‘Large Business Award’ from our win last year.

“We can say from firsthand experience how much winning these awards mean in the local community. The support and congratulation we have received in over the past twelve months has been really exhilarating. We cannot wait to see who the winners are this year.”

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.

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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/.