The Winchester Business Excellence Awards took place this evening (Friday 1st June 2018) at a special ceremony and dinner held at the Guildhall in the heart of the City.
Organised by the Winchester BiD, the event was once again attended by local MP Steve Brine who is a long-standing supporter of the Winchester business community.
As well as an awards night, the event heard from Lord Mark Price who is a former head of Waitrose and Trade Minister in the David Cameron and Theresa May Government's.
The awards saw six categories as well as the Simply Health Business of the Year Award which was won this year by The Natural Travel Collection, Winchester.
University of Winchester Charity or Social Enterprise of the Year Award; shortlisted Businesses were Winchester Street Reach, Citizens Advice Winchester, Trinity Winchester and Integr8 Community.
Winchester City Council Digital Innovation Award; shortlisted Businesses were Bio Teq Ltd, Videofrog, Enterprise Car Club and Asisters Ltd.
Winchester BID Independent Business of the Year Award; shortlisted Businesses were New Energy Fitness, Piecaramba!, Forte Kitchen and Cabinet Rooms.
Chamber of Commerce / Hampshire Chronicle Small-Medium Enterpise Award; shortlisted Businesses were Forte Kitchen, Great Shutter Company, Holiday Inn Winchester and The Natural Travel Collection.
Paris Smith New Business Award; shortlisted Businesses were Canvas Films, Finda Recruitment, ClueCapers Ltd and Resourceful Marketing Ltd.
The Breeze Service Excellence Award; shortlisted Businesses were Jeremy France Jewellers, Happy Hounds, The Natural Travel Collection and Think Creative.
Winners of each category apear in bold.
Speaking at the end of the evening, Steve Brine said; "This event is an outpouring of positive energy and a real celebration of what this city acheives year after year. These businesses are not looking back or moaning, they're getting on with business and doing it really well.
"I thought Lord Price was excellent and it was refreshing to hear, in Winchester, an upbeat but realistic assessment of Brexit and the opportunities it presents to businesses with the right mindset. I think his speech challenged many in the audience, some esepcially."
The evening was hosted by Iain Steel of Richard Steel and Partners plus Laura Bielinski of Newsquest/Hampshire Chronicle.
Pictured; the presenters on stage and Steve Brine 'selfie' with Ben Ward of the Winchester Science Centre.
More information ...