Business Excellence Awards 2021: Pride in Portsmouth as firms make the cut as shortlist revealed
AFTER an even longer wait than usual, The News can finally reveal the names of the businesses and individuals that have made it on to the finals of the biggest business award event in Portsmouth.
Due to the pandemic, The News Business Excellence Awards which usually takes place in February, was postponed until July 8 so that attendees would be able to collect their awards in person.
Now, after months of waiting, the shortlist has been revealed – and the firms that have made the cut will be hoping to celebrate their success at the grand ceremony set to take place at the Portsmouth Guildhall.
Tickets will be strictly limited, to adhere to social distancing guidelines, but the event will also be live streamed for the first time in its 19 year history so that nobody will miss out.
Honours will be handed out across 15 different categories – from apprentices up to lifetime achievements, from start up businesses to large.
Pat Smith, from lead sponsor University of Portsmouth, sad: ‘Since the announcement, in December 2020, that we would be the headline sponsors of The News’ Business Excellence Awards, the country has been through another national lockdown.
‘Businesses of all sizes and sectors have had to continue to adapt, with many employees working from home and a shift to online meetings and events.
‘Despite these challenges, I have been encouraged by the interest and number of entries we have received across all the award categories and I have been delighted to be able to connect with the various category sponsors.
‘Those that have reached the shortlist should be proud of their achievement; it is going to be tough for the judges to choose their winner.
‘I am excited to find out on July 8 who has won and to celebrate with all of them, as we shine a light on the best businesses in the Portsmouth region.’
More than 150 applications were received - and a panel of expert judges will start their selection process next week.
Tickets will go on sale from June 7, with more details to follow, so that numbers can meet a Covid-safe criteria.
For more information go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored by Solent LEP
*Copello Global
*Hewitt Matthews, formerly Digital Dinos
*Just Ears
*Katie Bakes
*Pellings Business Solutions
*Vibe
*Pro Pods
*SC Vital Fitness
*Ruby Funeral
*Solent Shoes
*Pastry Corner
*Willows Insurance
Medium Business of the Year
Sponsored by Citrus IT Support
*DTW Ceramics UK
*Nexa Properties
*M12 Solutions
*Excell Metal Spinning
*Diamond Cut Refinishing
*Smooth Accounting
Large Business of the Year
Sponsored by Portsmouth City Council
*Aerial Direct
*BAE Systems
*Barnbrook Systems
*Carrington West
*Citrus FM
*Coffee Cup Portsmouth
*Hi-Technology Group
*In Home Care
*Portico Shipping
*Portsmouth International Port
*Portsmouth Water
*Transalis
Start Up Business of the Year
To sponsor this category e-mail [email protected]