The News Business Excellence Awards: The best in the business revealed in shortlist

The shortlists include start-up, small, medium and large businesses of the year with judges narrowing down their choices for the businesses doing the most to be sustainable and those supporting their local communities along with global, retail, manufacturing/engineering, leisure/culture, visitor attraction/event of the year.

These shortlists also celebrate the best company to work for through Employer of the Year, along with individual categories of entrepreneur, young entrepreneur and trainee/apprentice.

It marks the culmination of a process which started last year when we first opened nominations for a wide range of categories for businesses of all sizes and sectors and also for the business leaders who make them a success. It is The News’ 24th year of recognising, rewarding and celebrating success in Portsmouth and surrounding areas and remains one of the highlights of the region’s business calendar

The winners will all be revealed at a glittering showpiece black-tie gala at The Guildhall in Portsmouth on Friday, February 23 - and we just can't wait!

Publishing Editor Mark Waldron said: “We have had entries from a large cross section of businesses who have shown exceptional growth, innovation or an outstanding contribution to the community in which they operate.

"But our awards also recognise individuals who are at the heart and soul of the companies in our community which play such an important part in our local economy, not to mention as employers to our local residents. It is such a pleasure to hear of these success stories.

"With awards recognising entrepreneurs, those who have a real place in our community and of course our keen apprentices there really is so much to celebrate.”

This year’s event supporters are the Guildhall Trust, PETA, HSDC, University of Portsmouth and Flamingo Boss, and our charity partner is Wessex Cancer Support.

THE SHORTLIST

Small Business of the Year - Sponsored by Portsmouth City Council. This award recognises outstanding performance by a company which has a workforce of nine or fewer and been operating for two years or more.  Judges will look for evidence of sustained success throughout time of trading; growth in profits, overcoming challenges with clear plans for the future; commitment to great client/customer service; innovation; marketing acumen.

• Broadway Coffee Roasters Ltd
• Casemates Studios and Cafe
• Delivered Social
• Hilbornes Sweets
• Indelible Ink Custom Tattoo Studio
• Positive Eats
• Rebellion Marketing Limited
• SEE Change Happen
• Southsea Laser Clinic
• SSS Direct Limited T/A Solent Sky Services
• Sugoi Campers Ltd
• Under One Cloud

Employer of the Year - An award for the best company to work for.  The Judges look for a business that has great staff relations, good staff retention, excellent training and which goes the extra mile to care for its employees. The winner will have demonstrated a real commitment to developing and motivating the workforce.

• Aerial Direct
• Citrus facilities management
• Dynamite Recruitment Solutions
• Fair Ways Community Benefit
• Horizon Leisure
• Liquid Friday
• Matrix IT
• Mountjoy Ltd
• Prestige Telecom Group
• Quattro Foods Ltd
• Silver Lining Convergence