INSPIRE Business Award categories and sponsors for 2026
Headline sponsor
Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award
Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award category is open to apprentice and trainees from all businesses regardless of size or sector. Celebrating the next generation of talent, this award recognises apprentices or trainees who have made a measurable impact on their organisation and demonstrate exceptional commitment, growth, and leadership potential.
Applicants should be over 16 and in a 6 month or longer apprenticeship or trainee programme, that includes work experience and a formal training programme either in-house or at a tertiary education establishment.
Judges are looking for an apprentice or trainee who is clearly committed to your business, who demonstrates customer focus, innovation and skills which support your business.
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Small Business of the Year Award
The Small Business of the Year Award category is open to dynamic business with 1-49 employees. The award ecognises thriving SMEs that combine strong commercial performance with innovation, outstanding customer and employee care, and a positive influence on the local business community.
The judges are looking for an all-round excellence in business. The judges will focus on trading performance, future objectives and implemented strategies that have driven business growth
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New Business of the Year Award
The New Business of the Year Award category is open to dynamic businesses whose business started trading on or after January 1, 2024. The award honours start-ups that have successfully identified and executed a market opportunity, demonstrating early growth, customer traction, and a positive contribution to the local economy.
The judges will be looking for how you developed your business idea into a thriving business. They want to see how the business is trading, your goals and objectives to grow your business, and your strategic plans for the future
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Service Excellence Award
The Service Excellence Award acknowledges businesses delivering exceptional service standards, consistently exceeding customer expectations and building a culture of excellence.
Judges are looking for a business which shows a clear focus and understanding of their customer’s needs. Evidence should be provided of customer driven initiatives designed to raise service standards and increase customer satisfaction. Businesses need to demonstrate how they exemplify in outstanding customer service, consistently delivered at the highest level, by a customer focused individual or team.
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Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year
The award recognises outstanding hospitality and leisure businesses that excel in customer experience, adapt creatively to challenges, and contribute to the vibrancy of Basingstoke’s visitor economy.
Judges are looking for companies that excel in their industry
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Rural Business of the Year Award
Rural Business of the Year Award category is open to dynamic businesses which are based in the Basingstoke and Deane borough, outside of Basingstoke town centre. The award celebrates businesses thriving in rural settings by combining commercial success with innovation, sustainability, and meaningful contributions to local communities.
Judges are looking to celebrate the contribution made by business in the rural community. Judges are looking for resilience, innovation and contributions these businesses make to the rural economy.
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Scale-Up / Growth Business of the Year
This award celebrates ambitious businesses achieving sustained growth through strategic vision, scalable operations, and a demonstrable impact on the regional economy
Judges are looking for businesses that have a strong commitment to the area and can demonstrate their achievements
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Innovation & Technology Champion
This award highlights businesses driving progress through innovative products, services, or processes, strengthening their industry and Basingstoke’s position as a centre for innovation.
Judges are looking for businesses that have a strong commitment to the area and can demonstrate their achievements
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Creative & Cultural Business of the Year
This award honours businesses in the creative and cultural sectors that demonstrate excellence, make a measurable impact, and enrich Basingstoke’s identity and cultural life.
Judges are looking for businesses that have a strong commitment to the area and can demonstrate their achievements
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Community Impact Award (Business & The Community)
The Business and the Community Award is open to businesses that, in addition to their commercial activities make a real difference through community, social, or environmental initiatives, embedding positive impact within their strategy and operations.
The judges are looking for an all-round excellence in business. The judges will focus on trading performance, future objectives and implemented strategies that have driven business growth.
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Business Leader of the Year
This award celebrates exceptional leaders whose vision, results, and influence inspire success across their organisation and the wider Basingstoke business community.
Judges are looking for the impact these leaders have had within their own organisations and the broader business environment
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Winner of Winners Award
All our category champions will be worthy champions – but which one will be the Winner of Winners?
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INSPIRE Awards Welcome reception
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Inspire Business Awards 2025 sponsors:
